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The South African government's response to COVID-19

Author

Listed:
  • Charl de Villiers
  • Dannielle Cerbone
  • Wayne Van Zijl

Abstract

Purpose - This paper provides a critical analysis of the South African government's response to the COVID-19 crisis and its effect on state finances and budgets. Design/methodology/approach - The paper critically analyses publicly available data. Findings - The South African government's initial health response was praised by the international community, given the early lockdown and extensive testing regime. The lockdown devastated an already precarious economy, which led to negative social consequences. The initial lockdown delayed the epidemic, but subsequently, the infection rate climbed, requiring new restrictions, suggesting further economic disruption. The government has had to increase its borrowings, while the future tax take is forecast to be significantly reduced, a combination which will lead to a severely constrained public purse for many years to come. This will limit the government's ability to address the basic social needs that predated the COVID-19 crisis. Originality/value - This is one of the first academic papers to critically assess the effect of the South African government's response to the COVID-19 crisis on state finances and budgets.

Suggested Citation

  • Charl de Villiers & Dannielle Cerbone & Wayne Van Zijl, 2020. "The South African government's response to COVID-19," Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 32(5), pages 797-811, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:eme:jpbafm:jpbafm-07-2020-0120
    DOI: 10.1108/JPBAFM-07-2020-0120
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Pham Quang Huy & Vu Kien Phuc, 2025. "Unraveling role of accountants’ professional identity toward sustainable development: Does inclusive leadership make a difference?," International Journal of Disclosure and Governance, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 22(3), pages 807-830, September.
    2. Lebogang Gaoaketse & Neo Ligaraba & Tinashe Chuchu, 2023. "Factors influencing purchase intention of motor vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical study in South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(3), pages 41-54, April.
    3. Ricardo Lopes Cardoso & Ricardo Rocha de Azevedo & José Alexandre Magrini Pigatto & Bernardo de Abreu Guelber Fajardo & Armando Santos Moreira da Cunha, 2023. "Lessons from Brazil's unsuccessful fiscal decentralization policy to fight COVID‐19," Public Administration & Development, Blackwell Publishing, vol. 43(2), pages 106-119, May.
    4. Mzwakhe Samuel Khasodi & Sandiso Mahlala & Costa Hofisi, 2023. "Assessment of clean audit outcomes as an effective determinant of good service delivery: a case study of Midvaal Local Municipality," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 12(9), pages 338-350, December.
    5. Khwazi Magubane, 2024. "Exploring causal interactions between macroprudential policy and financial cycles in South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 13(5), pages 513-531, July.
    6. Dintuku Maggie Kgomo & Stephen Zhanje, 2024. "Foreign direct investment, trade and economic growth: a case study of South Africa," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 13(7), pages 367-377, October.

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