Govt disappointed by S&P’s decision to lower sovereign rating

In a statement on Wednesday night, the government said it noted the decision by the rating agency to lower South Africa’s long term foreign and local currency debt ratings further into non-investment grade to ‘BB-’ and ‘BB’ respectively.

Government has expressed disappointment at rating agency S&P's decision to downgrade South Africa's sovereign rating amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement on Wednesday night, the government said it noted the decision by the rating agency to lower South Africa's long term foreign and local currency debt ratings further into non-investment grade to 'BB-' and 'BB' respectively.

"Government is disappointed by S&P's decision to downgrade the sovereign rating at a time when South Africa is facing one of its most challenging times. Government welcomes, however, the revision of the outlook to stable from negative, and considers this an indication that the agency at least recognizes some of the government's fiscal and monetary policy measures as strong points," said the government in a statement issued by National Treasury.

The agency revised the outlook to stable from negative.

According to S&P, the downgrade is a result of COVID-19 related pressures that will have significant adverse implications for South Africa's already deficient growth and fiscal outcomes.

The stable outlook reflects the balance between pressures related to very low Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and high fiscal deficits against the country's deep financial markets and monetary flexibility.

In addition, the government continues to prioritise measures announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa, aimed at containing the spread of the virus and further acknowledges the negative impact COVID-19 has had on economic activity.

Treasury said the government has announced a fiscal package amounting to R500 billion in responding to the pandemic.

In addition, on 23 April President Ramaphosa announced a gradual reopening of the economy from 1 May 2020, under strict conditions.

"This means that some businesses will be allowed to resume operations subject to extreme precautions to limit community transmissions and outbreaks. Now, more than ever, structural reforms need to be urgently implemented in order to get the economy moving in the right direction."

It added that tough decisions have to be made and collaboration between government, business, labour and civil society remains vital in order to contain the spread of the virus and ensure sustainable economic recovery.

(With Inputs from South African Government Press Release)