The number
GDP growth
0.0%
What it means
The economy grew by less than 1% — slower than the population.
The Braai Test
The braai pie got 0.6% bigger, but more people showed up to eat. Everyone's slice shrank a little.
📈 Economy
Economy
Growth, debt, bailouts and who pays the tax — 5 figures, each linked to its official source.
The number
Government debt (% of GDP)
0%
What it means
Government owes about three-quarters of what the whole country produces in a year.
The Braai Test
Like earning R100 000 a year with R76 000 on the credit card — and the interest keeps growing.
The number
Cents of every rand of tax spent on debt interest
0c
What it means
22 cents of every rand collected in tax goes straight to interest on old debt — more than the entire police budget. Countries that keep debt low spend that money on schools, police and clinics instead.
The Braai Test
Like earning R10,000 and handing R2,200 to the bank before buying a single loaf of bread. That interest buys nothing new — it's the bill for money already spent.
The number
Taxpayer bailouts to state companies since 2008
R0bn+
What it means
Eskom, Transnet, SAA and others have absorbed over R450 billion in government support — money that couldn't go to classrooms or clinics. Well-run state companies abroad, like Norway's Equinor, pay dividends into the budget instead of draining it.
The Braai Test
Like a family repeatedly rescuing a failing family business — while the neighbours' state companies earn money that funds their schools.
The number
Share of personal income tax paid by the top 10%
0%
What it means
About 7 in every 10 rand of personal income tax comes from just the top 10% of earners — a very small base carrying the country. When that base shrinks or leaves, everyone feels it.
The Braai Test
It's like one table at the braai paying for almost the whole party. You want more tables earning well — not fewer people carrying everything.
On the bright side
Inflation has stayed under control
For most of the past two decades the Reserve Bank has kept inflation inside its 3–6% target. Compared with many countries, your rand keeps its value.
Source: South African Reserve Bank – Monetary PolicySA exports the world's platinum — plus cars, fruit and wine
The country produces around 70% of the world's platinum, and record harvests of citrus, wine and maize ship out every year. The factories and farms still work.
Source: Minerals Council South Africa / Agbiz