Godongwana returns to Parly to face questions on contentious budget

CAPE TOWN - Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana returns to Parliament on Friday morning to engage members of Parliament (MPs) on the contentious budget.

Godongwana will appear before a joint meeting of the standing committee on appropriations and the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) finance committees.  

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Godongwana can expect a grilling from parties opposed to the budget, including those in the Government of National Unity (GNU).  

The budget discussion continues in Parliament, with key GNU partners still divided over the budget.  

While the Democratic Alliance (DA) said it won't support any budget with a value-added tax (VAT) or tax increase, the African National Congress (ANC) says it could seek help from outside the GNU when it comes to the vote.  

On Thursday, Godongwana also criticised the DA's rejection of the budget during a News24 business breakfast.  

“First and foremost, they’ve compromised Treasury by saying this is an ANC budget. An independent institution such as Treasury, you make it an ANC channel.”  

The DA said the ANC and Godongwana need to be reminded that they are no longer in the majority and the budget process needs to be more inclusive.