Opposition parties warn there's much to debate before 2025 budget is voted on

CAPE TOWN - Opposition parties warn that there is still much to debate before the first of the budget bills is voted on in April.

Responding to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's revised budget on Wednesday, political parties described it as disappointing and a missed opportunity by National Treasury to prioritise economic growth.

Parties will now interrogate Godongwana's proposed financial outlook before it is adopted in the house.

Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi said that the most vulnerable are not cushioned from a compromised VAT increase of one percentage point over two years and income tax adjustments.

"The annual tax rebates on low-income earners, in personal income tax, has been taken away. This means, teachers, nurses, police and entry-level workers are paying for this change."

Build One South Africa (BOSA) leader and chairperson of the appropriations committee, Mmusi Maimane, said it's up to his committee to scrutinise government’s spending plan.

"The fiscal framework will be debated on 2 April, it’s then the work of dealing with the division of revenue and all the expenditure framework that we are taking on. Effectively, it all begins now. "

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) said that they do not support the increase in VAT.

EFF leader Julius Malema said that it will use the instruments of Parliament to ensure the budget is further refined.

ALSO READ:

• FULL SPEECH: The 2025 Budget Speech

• Godongwana tables 2025 budget, gives reality check on underperforming economy

• SRD grant extended for another year; old age, foster care grants increase

• Godongwana hikes excise duties on alcohol & tobacco products