Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
budget 2009latest news & developments

Securely lacking common sense

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

More than 20 000 jobs are at risk in the mining industry. Photo: Paul Botes

Mining cries crisis

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

Varsities on a budget high

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

Rich pickings

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

Gearing up for tough times

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

funds for transport-related infrastructure will total R50,9-billion over the next three years. Photo: Oupa Nkosi

Oh what joy

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

How green is our budget?

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

Manuel won’t go gently

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.

Barack my budget

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

An election year budget

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

Manuel: Economy ‘not in recession’

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

Health budget aims to address critical challenges

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

Parties welcome Manuel’s budget

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

R1,8bn prop for mining sector a ‘major relief’

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.

Govt spending on arts, culture to decrease

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

Manuel announces R5,4bn for fight against crime

Trevor Manuel announced during his budget speech on Wednesday that the government will be spending R5,4-billion in the fight against crime.

R13-billion tax relief for individuals

Proposed adjustment to the personal income tax schedules will provide relief of R13,6-billion to individual taxpayers, Manuel announced on Wednesday.

Child support grant could extend to 18-year-olds

The child support grant could soon be extended to children up to the age of 18 after the emergence of ”compelling new evidence”, Manuel said.

A cautious helping hand

Trevor Manuel’s budget outlined cautious plans to aid some of South Africa’s struggling business sectors, namely mining and the motor industry.

Trevor’s bold but boring budget

Finance Minister Trevor Manuel’s budget on Wednesday preached his age-old message of prudent fiscal policy, efficiency and sustainability.