South Africa’s current account deficit narrowed more than expected in the second quarter, data showed on Tuesday, supporting Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s view that Africa’s most industrialised economy was not in “recession territory”.
“The next year or so is quite critical, not just for ratings but for ourselves as an economy and as a country as well,” Gordhan told business leaders.
South Africa’s current account deficit narrowed to 3.1 percent of GDP in the second quarter, better than the 3.6 percent predicted by analysts and down from 5.3 percent in the first quarter.
The rand pared losses after the data were released. It had dropped as much as 1 percent in early trade, following a warning by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas that a police investigation into Gordhan was causing economic uncertainty.
Gordhan declined last month to obey a police summons linked to the inquiry into whether he had used a tax service unit to spy on politicians, including President Jacob Zuma. Gordhan said he had done nothing wrong and his supporters have called the investigation a witch hunt.
“It does destabilise, not only Treasury, it creates uncertainties across the economy,” Jonas told 702 Talk Radio. “We feel confident there is no basis for the allegation. We are not worried about that.”
Jonas also said he had met Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, an anti-corruption watchdog, as part of her inquiry into whether wealthy friends of Zuma, the Gupta family, have been influencing high-level political appointments.
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Credit: CNBC Africa