Economy / Budget 2019

Fasten your seatbelts for a bumpy ride

Cautiously optimistic despite the fragile economy

After a highly challenging year, in hindsight we might view 2018 as a decisive one in our history and consciousness – where we broke free from both the legacy of 2007 ANC Polokwane Elective Conference and the debilitating pull of the 2008 global financial crisis (GFC).

2019 National Budget predictions: An increase in the budget deficit?

Budget preview: three issues that need to be addressed

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) last year, much like the MTBPS in 2017, reflected the government’s inability to make difficult decisions in the wake of deteriorating economic conditions. The expectation thereafter was that with a new Minister of Finance in Tito Mboweni we would finally see those tough decisions being made in the February 2019 budget. Since then there has been speculation whether the Minister would stay and questions around his relationships within National Treasury, which are cause for concern. We are therefore concerned whether this Budget will provide the needed clarity on the right but difficult choices we need.