South African Government Notes Fitch’s SA ‘BB-’ Rating

The South Africa government says it has noted Fitch’s decision to affirm South Africa’s long-term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘BB-’ and maintained a stable outlook, after the rating agency kept SA at a sub-investment grade on Friday.

According to Fitch, the affirmation takes into account the recent over-performance of revenue and the government’s strong efforts to control expenditure which, if continued successfully, could bring about debt stabilisation.

In a statement, the National Treasury said: “However, the agency assumes a substantial part of recent higher revenues to be temporary and sees current public sector wage demands pointing to increased upward pressure on spending.”

The department said the government’s fiscal strategy reduces risks to the economy and public finances over the medium term.

“The higher-than-anticipated revenues will be used to reduce the gross borrowing requirement, support spending priorities and reduce risks to the fiscal outlook.

“Government is working to improve the efficiency of spending and remains committed to returning public finances on a sustainable path,” reads the statement.

According to the agency, South Africa’s ratings continue to be supported by a favourable debt structure with long maturities and mainly denominated in local currency as well as a credible monetary policy framework. – SAnews.gov.za