South Africa needs to rethink austerity: finmin

• Published date: 01 August 2016
• Publication title: New Zimbabwe

South Africa cannot rely on austerity measures to reduce public debt and boost economic growth, as previously thought, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan said on Tuesday.

Gordhan has been trying to find a balance between reining in spending to contain South Africa's budget deficit and avoid credit rating downgrades, while also finding ways to boost economic growth and provide basic services to the poor.

'What's very clear is that austerity, which we in some parts of the G20 thought was absolutely necessary ... is no longer the answer," Gordhan told business leaders.

"In South Africa, as well, we have some austerity...