A significant portion of South Africa’s budget is spent on servicing debt – R389-billion in 2024, according to the National Treasury. This exceeds allocations for basic education (R323-billion), health (R274-billion) and peace and security (R250-billion). Debt service costs surpassed basic education spending after the 2021/22 financial year. The year before, debt repayment was the government’s fourth biggest expense after basic education, social protection and health. More here: https://www.theoutlier.co.za/governance/2025-02-25/90221/south-africa-in-10-charts-measuring-the-state-of-the-nation