The state’s debt levels have overshot forecasts made in February’s budget and economists believe it could get worse without improvements in economic growth and greater commitment to spending cuts from the government.

The national government’s total gross loan debt increased “significantly” to 58.3% of annual GDP as at June 30, the Reserve Bank said in its quarterly bulletin on Wednesday. This was above the February budget’s projection of 56.2% for the full 2019/20 fiscal year. ..

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.