Budget 2009

When it comes to the treasury, common sense does eventually prevail; it just takes a while.

Labour unions have welcomed the proposed delay in implementing the new mineral and mining royalties legislation as a good way to protect jobs.

The extra R700-million for higher learning is a welome relief, write Primarashni Gower and Cornia Pretorius.

Despite a R13,6-billion tax cut for individuals, higher-income earners will be worse off, writes Maya Fisher-French.

The economic period ahead will be the most challenging yet faced by SA’s democracy. Lloyd Gedye reports.

The increase in infrastructure spending could cushion South Africa’s economy from the global economic crisis, writes Lynley Donnelly.

Faranaaz Parker looks at where Trevor Manuel’s plan hits and misses the mark when it comes to environmental reform.

Uncertainty persists over the future of Trevor Manuel, but after last week’s budget speech, he will not go gentle into the good night of retirement.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and US President Obama both like to get more bang from each buck.

From the public broadcaster to the opposition and filtering into wider society, we engage in this annual middle-class chatter.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said on Thursday the economy was not in recession. He said "as of now we are looking at positive growth".

Policy intervention supported in the national budget will focus both on health and on more aggressively combating the causes of ill health.

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel’s 2009/10 budget tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday has been broadly welcomed by political parties.

Jabu Maphalala of the South African Chamber of Mines on Wednesday said the R1,8-billion boost for mining outlined in the budget was a welcome relief.

Government expenditure in recreation and culture will decrease by more than 18% a year over the next three years.