The public sector wage bill is once again expected to come into sharp focus this week as the finance minister delivers the midterm budget policy statement under the government of national unity.  Government has tabled at 4.7-percent wage offer after unions rejected its initial 3-percent offer.  Public service unions - who are demanding a 12-percent wage increase for the 2025/26 financial year - have lamented government's austerity measures.  They say the cost of living far outpaces the cost of labour, placing financial pressure on workers.  Naledi Ngcobo reports