Enoch Godongwana vs raiders of the Treasury
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s first medium-term budget speech was a valiant attempt to do the right thing — maintain spending discipline, lower debt and protect pro-poor spending. But the gulf between this position and the government’s policy direction is becoming a growing credibility chasm
Finance minister Enoch Godongwana’s first medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS) sent out all the right signals. In particular, the National Treasury was clear that it will resist populist pressure for unbridled spending; it remains wedded to fiscal consolidation, and it backs the urgent need for bolder reforms to boost economic growth.
If only that were enough. Unfortunately, the inability of the rest of the government to make tough decisions — whether shutting down some state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or holding firm on not hiking civil servants’ wages — casts doubt on the Treasury’s ability to restore SA to fiscal sustainability...
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.