JOHANNESBURG - The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement is sometimes called the mini-budget.
This is because the finance minister doesn't announce changes to taxes, social grants and other details.
Rather, it outlines the government's spending plans for several years.
However, there’s nothing mini about this year’s Medium-Term Budget, as the Middle East war has completely reshaped South Africa’s economy.
Instead of inflation coming down as expected, fuel costs are soaring, and the cost of living crisis is back.
The Reserve Bank has raised interest rates twice in response.
Economists will want to see that despite the setback, government remains disciplined on debt.
The eNCA business desk filed this report.