Economists applaud 2026 National Budget’s debt-cutting focus
Economists have given the 2026 National Budget a thumbs up, following National Treasury’s commitment to curbing the country’s debt.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the debt-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio is finally set to stabilize at 78.9 per cent in the 2025/26 financial year, before beginning a steady downward trend.
Standard Bank’s Elna Moolman says there is a strong possibility that actual outcomes could turn out even better than most estimates.
“The budget review clearly stressed the ongoing Operation Vulindlela reforms, the interventions to accelerate infrastructure spending, and fiscal reforms to improve the financial challenges of municipalities. We’re very encouraged by the additional allocations for infrastructure spending and ongoing prudence in terms of general consumption spending. Several interventions are underway to reduce wasteful spending and improve the efficiency of government spending.”
Finance Minister delivers 2026 Budget Speech: