Running up to the elections next year, this was a difficult MTBPS to deliver. The global environment is inflationary, and growth forecasts have been revised down with lower revenue expected from our largest trade partner, China. Following on from last week’s podcast, ERSA’s host is joined by Isaah Mhlanga, a Chief Economist and Head of Research at Rand Merchant Bank to discuss expectations from the upcoming MTBPS. Together they discuss whether expectations were met and what the strained budget means for South Africa going forward. While there is no shortage of good plans, questions are raised about the ability to implement these policies. How close were the projections to market expectations? Was there enough focus on the economic reform agenda, and how will this speech impact domestic and international business confidence? With elections coming up, how may government spending cuts impact local service delivery, and how can the SRD and other grants be financed sustainably? There are certainly many questions, and insights not to be missed in this podcast. We hope you enjoy!
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