Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene has just released the 2014 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. This document is a mid-term adjustment to the government’s budget that lays out their spending plans.

This budget comes against a backdrop of significant economic threats. Economic growth has slowed dramatically in 2014, severely undermined by prolonged strikes, particularly in the minerals and manufacturing sector, a growing budget deficit, and Eskom’s continued crisis. This is particularly problematic due to the need for a sustained high growth rate in order to create sustainable employment, increase tax revenue and allow for sustainable national development.

Download the full brief above.

Written by Mayibuye Magwaza, Researcher, Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference Parliamentary Liaison Office (CPLO)