Its been hampered by global fiscal storms...and poor local economic growth. The Finance Minister was upbeat, saying more money will be put in the pockets of the poor and unemployed. The Youth Wage subsidy was also given the go-ahead.

Tax revenue is currently 16 billion rand lower than previously estimated.  This is forcing government to cut spending by 10 billion rand over the next 3 years.

InFocus

Politicians React to S Africa's 2013 Budget

Following his trillion rand budget speech, Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan has received mixed reactions from opposition parties and civil society. Read more »

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