South Africa’s economic recovery plans face serious constraints with growing debt of state firms domestically and capital outflows as a result of global trade tensions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Monday.
In October the global lender said it saw Africa’s most industrialised economy expanding by 0.8 percent in 2018, down from a prior forecast of 1.5 percent. South Africa’s Treasury predicts growth of 0.7 percent.
The recession-bound economy and a bleak budget in October have piled pressure on President Cyril’s Ramaphosa.
“Some of the initial optimism has dissipated as growth remains stuck in low gear and reform implementation has faced constraints,” the IMF said, naming the state power firm Eskom as a key risk.
The president’s work is made harder by cash-strapped state-owned firms, including debt-ridden Eskom, which is struggling to supply the nation’s power.
The IMF said the proposal to amend property laws to allow for expropriation without compensation should be carefully considered and be guided by lessons of international experience.
“Land reform should focus on enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening tenure security,” said the IMF.
A parliamentary team has recommended a constitutional amendment to make it possible for the state to expropriate land without compensation.
The recommendation will now go to the national assembly for a vote.
Latest Stories
-
60 out of 100 bills passed into law in the last 4 years – Bagbin
1 hour -
Julius Debrah leads charge as Mahama makes first major appointments ahead of inauguration
1 hour -
Afenyo-Markin is wrong, ORAL is widely accepted by Ghanaians – Ahmed Ibrahim
2 hours -
Thousands rock AfroRave 2024 for Afrocentric extravaganza
3 hours -
RYTHM in Action: QNET donates food and other essentials to the Potter’s Village Orphanage
3 hours -
Akufo-Addo denies reports of presidential pardon to 11
3 hours -
Ambulance case: Gov’t didn’t want to jail you at all cost – Afenyo-Markin to Ato Forson
3 hours -
Minority was a thorn in my flesh – Afenyo-Markin
4 hours -
Minority Leader’s full address on dissolution of 8th Parliament
4 hours -
Afenyo-Markin laments unfinished business as 8th Parliament dissolves
4 hours -
Godfred Dame was determined to use all crude tactics to achieve my prosecution – Ato Forson
4 hours -
AG’s prosecution against me was meant to intimidate – Ato Forson
4 hours -
ORAL a needless committee, only for personal vendetta – Afenyo-Markin
4 hours -
Afenyo-Markin commends Ato Forson for leading a resilient Minority side in 8th Parliament
5 hours -
Silent empowerment: Rural-urban women take control of family planning behind closed doors
5 hours