Government Notes Downgrade

Government says it has taken note of the decision by Japanese based credit rating agency Ratings and Investment Information Inc (Randamp;I) to downgrade South Africa’s foreign and domestic currency ratings to “BBB+” and “A-” respectively.

The foreign currency short-term debt rating was also downgraded to “a-2” and the stable credit outlook has been maintained.

Despite the downgrade, Randamp;I’s credit rating remains the highest investment grade rating for South Africa.

Slowing economic growth since 2012 as the country has been affected by weak global and domestic demand; a widening current account deficit and delayed recovery in economic growth as a result of anticipated strikes and supply side shortages in the economy were cited as reasons for the downgrade.

Randamp;I said that government’s fiscal metrics and debt burden remain sustainable but the rating could come under further pressure should the economic recovery continue to be slower than government’s expectations and fiscal prospects deteriorate further.

The rating agency said effective policy implementation is crucial to lift growth and that the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP)...