fiscal policy
Should we blow the budget to prop up growth?
The risk of a policy error is high as SA contemplates a fiscal stimulus package to reignite growth, but without stepping over important boundaries
Well before the recession became official, economists started debating what SA’s correct fiscal stance should be, given falling growth and rising unemployment. Should we blow the budget to prop up growth? It’s a difficult question to answer when there are multiple pressures on the national budget but very little fiscal wiggle room, the ratings agencies are circling again and the global environment has become hostile. Against this backdrop, finance minister Nhlanhla Nene is expected to pull a rabbit out of the hat with the October mini-budget. After its midyear lekgotla, the ANC said it wanted to introduce a fiscal stimulus of R43bn. It suggested tax credits for companies that create new jobs; greater fixed investment into roads and bridges, water and sewerage projects, housing and public transport; better support for emerging farmers; and an expansion of the public works programme. The National Treasury countered that R43bn could be found only through reprioritisation. There was no ...
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.