A recap of the recent budget speech. Overall, the government is aiming to reduce the budget deficit and stabilise the debt-to-GDP ratio. Over the past year, the budget deficit has doubled and the shortfall in revenue is approximated at R 213.2 billion. At current levels, this number is projected to increase, resulting in financing costs of R 338.6 billion for the 2023/2024 period. The Treasury has noted this fact and have based their strategy thereon with the aim to “return public finances to a sustainable position”.