EFF set to hold ‘victory march’ after withdrawal of proposed VAT hike
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana withdrew his bid to implement a 0.5% VAT increase in April, following a two-month impasse over the fiscal framework.
Logo for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Picture: Wikimedia Commons
JOHANNESBURG - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is set to hold what it calls a "victory march" in Pretoria on Monday morning, following April’s withdrawal of proposals to hike the value-added tax (VAT).
Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana withdrew his bid to implement a 0.5% VAT increase in April, following a two-month impasse over the fiscal framework.
EFF leader Julius Malema is expected to lead the “victory march” from the Union Buildings to the National Treasury offices in the city centre.
The EFF is among several political parties in Parliament claiming credit for the reversal of the VAT increase.
ALSO READ: Political parties claim withdrawal of VAT hike not due to DA, EFF court challenge
ActionSA, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, and the Democratic Alliance (DA) also believe they played a role in influencing Godongwana’s decision to withdraw the VAT hike.
In April, the EFF joined the DA’s legal challenge at the Western Cape High Court, which sought to have the VAT increase overturned.
The EFF’s lawyers argued in court that the African National Congress (ANC) used deception to drive the fiscal framework through Parliament.
Supporters of the party are expected to begin gathering at the Union Buildings, before marching to the National Treasury offices before midday.
The march by the red berets comes ahead of Godongwana’s attempt to table yet another budget this week, which is unlikely to feature proposals for VAT hikes.