Extracted Insight

  • South Africa recorded a primary budget surplus of 1.1% of GDP for the fiscal year ending March 2026, the third consecutive surplus.
  • The surplus exceeded the National Treasury’s February forecast of 0.9%, announced by Director‑General Duncan Pieterse at a Citigroup conference.
  • Tax and non‑tax revenues were higher than expected while spending, including debt‑service costs, was lower than projected.
  • Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana projects government debt to peak at 78.9% of GDP and decline to 68.3% by FY 2033‑34.
  • The primary surplus excludes interest payments on public debt, indicating fiscal consolidation.