NEWSMAKER
CHRIS BARRON: Why spending cuts are the state’s No 1 priority
Former Treasury deputy DG Andrew Donaldson says we will never cut debt unless tough budget choices are made
18 May 2025 - 10:22
Former National Treasury deputy director-general Andrew Donaldson says spending reviews are no substitute for hard political decisions about scrapping programmes and state entities that are dysfunctional, ineffective and draining the fiscus.
“Bureaucratic sluggishness, vested interests and a lack of political will are getting in the way of what needs to be done,” says Donaldson, who initiated the Government Technical Advisory Centre, which has carried out nearly 240 spending reviews since 2013...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
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.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.