MTBPS preview: New FM and his economic revisions in sharp focus

South Africa’s half-term fiscal report is upon us. Will the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) deliver a stark and scathing assessment of our lack of progress with a ‘must try harder’ takeaway, or will our new man at the ministry promise a silk purse out of sow’s ear? Annabel Bishop, Investec’s Chief Economist looks at the tricky position of Finance Minister Tito Mboweni as he prepares to deliver his maiden mini-budget.