It is important to note, however, that part of the curtailment in expenditure over the past five years may have been achieved at the cost of the development and maintenance of the economic and social infrastructure of the country. There is a delicate balance between containing expenditure and maintaining the infrastructure required for economic development.
Greater price stability The effective fiscal, monetary and other policy measures pursued by the authorities, in conjunction with lower international inflation, succeeded in creating greater price stability in South Africa. In 1998 and 1999 the rate of increase in the consumer price index excluding mortgage interest costs (CPIX) averaged 7% per year.