Most opposition parties say they will be voting against the adoption of the budget

JOHANNESBURG - Opposition parties and some in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have slammed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana for tabling what they called an unbalanced budget.

Most parties are unhappy with National Treasury's decision to hike the Value Added Tax by one percentage point over the next two years.

Godongwana tabled his budget policy statement in Parliament on Wednesday.

Wouter Wessels from the FF Plus, a partner in the GNU, said there was no consensus on a VAT increase.

"We're going to do everything within our power within the GNU to stop unnecessary tax increases that will impoverish more South Africans."

The African Christian Democratic Party  (ACDP's) Steve Swart said that the government should seek other means to stimulate the country's economy.

"Let's collect the billions of rand sitting overseas in bank accounts through state corruption. Let us collect the R800 billion that is owed to SARS [South African Revenue Service. In that manner, we can balance the books."

Most opposition parties said they would vote against the adoption of the budget.