Manuel sees no change in economic policy

South Africa will keep its current macroeconomic policies to ensure sustained economic growth, despite a change in political leadership, Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said.

“I think it is important to say ... this country will maintain stable macroeconomic policies,” he said in an interview with BBC’s Hard Talk programme broadcast on Tuesday, when asked about pressures from trade unions to move away from current conservative fiscal policy.

“The African National Congress views have been, consistently, that macroeconomic stability is the key to sustainable development and growth.”

Kgalema Motlanthe was appointed president last week after the ousting of Thabo Mbeki, about six months before the end of his second five-year term.

Manuel also said he was prepared to serve as finance minister under any president.—.