Government, consumers spend more money

According to figures released by the Reserve Bank, the economy gathered momentum in the final quarter of last year, growing by 3,2% compared with just 1,7% in the previous quarter.

Business Day says the bank's chief economist Monde Mnyande was no prepared to speculate on whether the accelerated spending levels were likely to continue for the rest of the year.

Government spending was sharply higher in the fourth quarter of the year at 7,3%, compared with just 4,8% in the third quarter.

For more:

• Business Day: SA economy picking up speed, says Reserve Bank report