Adoption of final report supporting VAT increase followed 'gross irregularities', argues EFF in court

CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has argued in court that the adoption of the finance committee’s final report supporting the value-added tax (VAT) increase followed “gross irregularities and illegalities”.

The red berets said National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza’s decision to reject requests to defer last week’s sitting after parties wrote to her was also unlawful.

The EFF detailed its opposition to the budget in papers filed in the Western Cape High Court challenging what it calls the “unlawful and unconstitutional” adoption of the 2025 fiscal framework and revenue proposals by the National Assembly.

EFF treasurer general, Omphile Maotwe, said in court papers that she was making the EFF’s case as an intervenor in the main application.

She said adopting the finance standing committee report, which included a recommendation from ActionSA, followed “gross irregularities and illegalities”.

Maotwe also said Didiza’s decision to dismiss letters from the EFF, calling for a postponement of the sitting was also unlawful.

She also targeted ActionSA’s recommendation to postpone the VAT increase for 30 days while other alternatives are sought, calling it an “unlawful scheme”.

Maotwe argued that ActionSA Member of Parliament (MP) Alan Beesley could not simply recommend without an amendment to the actual framework.

The party said those intending to oppose the application must file answering papers no later than Monday.

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