PIMS Budget Paper: No 4 - Budget 2009: Still Getting the Balance Right?
[2009 February 14]

In the run-up to the 2009 general elections, South Africa has undergone a period of political transition and intense self-scrutiny. The change in ANC leadership has heightened public discourse over economic policy and service delivery.  It has also encouraged speculation about potential changes in economic policy, particularly with regard to increased social spending and greater government intervention in the economy.

However, this also coincides with the global economic downturn over the last year. Minister Trevor Manuel revised the budget deficit from 1.6% in the 2008 MTBPS to 3.9%, higher than expected, but a strong indication that despite the global financial situation, expansion of infrastructure remains a priority.

See Idasa’s Press Release on the Budget here.

Download Idasa’s non-technical analysis of Budget 2009 below - Budget Brief.

Also download Idasa’s Technical Brief below.

For analysis about HIV/AIDS and Budget 2009, see this report.

DownloadsBudget Brief
This Budget Brief provides a short, non-technical versions of Idasa's analysis of Budget 2009. 
The longer technical document (see below) provides deeper analysis of Budget 2009 with the aim of promoting wide-ranging, informed debate on the best uses of public resources in South Africa.
Budget 2009 - Non-technical Budget Brief.pdf

Budget Paper - Technical Analysis of Budget 2009
This Budget Paper provides analysis of Budget 2009, including technical background and indepth discussion.  These papers aim to promote wide-ranging, informed debate on the best uses of public resources in South Africa.
Budget 2009 - Technical Analysis.pdf