The Monster That Stalks South Africa Isn’t Crime. It’s Debt!
South Africa’s greatest threat isn’t crime, corruption, or even the collapsing municipalities — it’s debt.
Our national debt has exploded to R5.8 trillion (78% of GDP), and it’s still rising.
Every bailout, every wage hike, every commission hearing feeds the beast while the economy flatlines.
- Debt-servicing costs: R426 billion this year (up from R386 billion)
- Social spending: R422 billion, up from R267 billion in 2024
- SOE bailouts: R230 billion, with Eskom and Transnet draining the treasury
- Public-sector wage bill: R750 billion and climbing
Over 8 000 businesses have been liquidated, and our growth rate lags far behind peers.
If South Africa had grown at 4% like similar economies, unemployment would be under 10%.
While politicians hold BEE seminars and the GNU brawls over the budget, the country’s finances are being eaten alive.
This is the monster that stalks South Africa — the monster of debt.
We either fix it by unleashing talent, opening for business like India, and reigniting growth, or it will be fixed for us. By the IMF.
Join the movement for a better South Africa.
Don’t just complain, get involved, share this conversation.
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With very best wishes,
Chris Wilkinson.
I'm simply a messenger, writing and sharing with South Afri-CANs.
To encourage and motivate. I do not get paid for this.
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Thank you.