Each February, SA’s finance minister and a team of economists wrestle with the annual budget. That delicate balancing act — pun intended — is never simple, but as anyone reading this will be aware a tough economy and one of the world’s most unequal societies make the task more complex.

This year is no exception: the Treasury’s most recent data gives the clearest indication yet that public finances are in poor shape, with the budget deficit widening from 5.7% in November to 6% in December. It’s the biggest deficit in more than two years. ..

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