Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has hit back at accusations that the announced temporary fuel levy relief is a political stunt aimed at winning votes ahead of next month's local government elections. ​Some opposition parties criticised the Minister's Medium Term Budget Policy Statement, claiming the timing of the three-Rand per litre diesel reduction and one-Rand-50 petrol relief-set to take effect on the 4th of November was strategically linked to the upcoming polls. ​Speaking yesterday (Thursday 22 October 2026) at the RMB Post-MTBPS breakfast in Cape Town, Godongwana clarified that fuel price changes always take effect on the first Wednesday of every month, and the date alignment was coincidental. Economics Reporter, Nothando Magudulela, reports.