The COVID-19 outbreak is leading to a sharp economic contraction and creating significant financing needs in South Africa. The IMF approved US$4.3 billion in emergency financial assistance under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI) to support the authorities’ efforts in addressing the challenging health situation and severe economic impact of the COVID-19 shock. Once the pandemic is behind, there is a pressing need to ensure public debt sustainability and implement structural reforms to support the recovery and achieve sustainable and inclusive growth.