Live stream and schedule: What time does the Budget Speech start?

Something tells us Tito Mboweni will need a stiff drink – and a reliable tin of pilchards – by the close of play on Wednesday. The finance minister has the unenviable task of delivering the Budget Speech for 2020, where a number of unpopular decisions regarding tax are expected be rolled out.

Good luck, Tito Mboweni

The Cabinet member has got a rising rate of unemployment and a dramatically reduced growth forecast to contend with. While Cyril Ramaphosa dreams of smart cities and an infrastructure revolution, Mboweni will have to address the practical elements of rebuilding an economy.

Eskom will likely be a major talking point: It’s been claimed that their days of receiving bailouts are over – something that we will believe when we see it. Elsewhere, VAT and fuel levies are being tipped to rise once more, much to the consternation of the oridnary South African citizen.

What time is the Budget Speech 2020 on Wednesday?

There’s only one way to find out what kind of a year lies in wait for us all, and that’s by following the events from Parliament. Much like we did with SONA, we’ve put all the important timings together:

• 13:00: Build-up and previews begin on the major news networks.
• 13:45 – 14:00: Tito Mboweni arrives at Parliament.
• 14:00: Minister Mboweni begins to give the Budget Speech for 2020.
• 15:00 – 15:15: We’re not expecting any disruptions, and this address usually takes 60 – 75 minutes.
• 15:30 onwards: The first reactions to the Budget Speech will come trickling in, as Parliament disperses. This is when we get a firm idea of how the rand has performed during Mboweni’s address.

How to watch or live stream the event

You have a bunch of options at your disposal. All of eNCA, SABC and Newzroom Afrika will be broadcasting the live event, as will the official South African Parliamentary TV channel, on DStv 408.

If you can’t get to a TV, there are YouTube live streams provided by Parliament (shared below). Furthermore, if you can’t find the time to watch the Budget Speech, just keep thesouthafrican open: We’ve got comprehensive text coverage from Parliament, which will provide updates on all the major developments as they happen.

You can watch the live stream for Budget Speech 2020 here:

[Stream will appear at 13:50]