Moody's upgrades SA outlook from negative to stable

Government has welcomed ratings agency Moody’s decision to affirm South Africa’s long term foreign and local currency debt ratings at ‘Ba2’ and revise the outlook to stable from negative.

According to Moody’s, the key driver behind the decision to change the outlook to stable is the improved fiscal outlook that raises the likelihood of government’s debt burden stabilising over the medium term. 

The National Treasury said in a statement: "Over the last two fiscal years, government has shown it was able to reprioritise its spending while staying committed to fiscal consolidation, which Moody’s expects will remain the case going forward.

"Government’s steadfast commitment to restoring sustainability to public finances is supported by better-than-expected revenue collection."

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Treasury says  government is using a portion of the additional revenue it collected from taxpayers through SARS to accelerate debt stabilisation, with the majority targeted to address urgent social needs, promote job creation through the presidential employment initiative, and support the public health sector.

"Faster implementation of economic and SOC reforms, accompanied by fiscal consolidation to provide a stable foundation for growth, will ease investor concerns, and support a faster recovery and higher levels of economic growth," it says.