JOHANNEBSURG - South Africa passes its budget at the third time of asking.
The country's borrowing costs and debt are still a major worry, after the contentious VAT increase was scrapped.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had to find extra money somewhere, to plug the shortfall.
And that will come via a hike in the fuel levy.
CEO of Prowess Investment Managers Kelebogile Moloko welcomed the budget saying it was a notable success and that the coalition seems to have won the day after the third attempt to present a credible budget to South Africa.
Additionally, she says, for the first time in years the rationalisation of expenses is seen coming through into the budget.
And finally the commitment to infrastructure.
"We know that infrastructure spending is important and anchors economic growth, supports job creation and improves disposable income for people impacted by extension of infrastructure," she says.
Meanwhile, the Umkhonto wesizwe party has criticised the increase in the fuel levy, saying the budget tabled punishes the poor people.
The party says it will table a motion of no confidence in President Cyril Ramaphosa and a vote of censure against Godongwana.