Key facts
- South Africa's main budget deficit was ZAR 63.3bn in April.
- The deficit remained unchanged at 0.8% of GDP compared to April last year.
- Revenue increased 12.5% year-on-year to ZAR 117.5bn.
- Stronger PIT/PAYE and VAT collections supported revenue growth.
- Fuel levy relief reduced revenue by approximately ZAR 4.1bn year-on-year.
- Gross borrowing requirements remained elevated at ZAR 84.6bn in April.
South Africa's main budget deficit for April was reported at ZAR 63.3 billion, marking no change from the previous year's deficit of 0.8% of GDP. Revenue collections showed a significant increase of 12.5% year-on-year, reaching ZAR 117.5 billion. This growth was primarily supported by stronger collections from personal income tax (PIT) and value-added tax (VAT). However, the revenue figures were impacted by fuel levy relief, which resulted in a drag of approximately ZAR 4.1 billion compared to the same month last year. Despite the revenue increase, gross borrowing requirements remained elevated at ZAR 84.6 billion in April.