Why does this matter to me?

There are clearly many misgivings surrounding the hullabaloo regarding the reversal of the decision to hike the VAT rate and the decision to reconstitute a Budget for 2025/26. Whilst it is easy to criticise the seeming shambles around these events, there are also several positives to draw. Firstly, government has been provided with a wonderful chance to draw up a more realistic Budget following the tumultuous events globally which are set to result in much lower economic growth than assumed in the February Budget. Secondly, the developments have offered the Government of National Unity (GNU) valuable lessons on budgeting under a coalition. Thirdly, any increase in deficits and public debt is likely to be modest overall, as reflected in the Rand’s stability.