After fiscal framework passed, DA celebrates forcing Godongwana to retract VAT hike
The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had proven the naysayers wrong that the Government of National Unity (GNU) would not survive the crucial budget test.
FILE: A Democratic Alliance flag. Picture: RODGER BOSCH/AFP
CAPE TOWN - The Democratic Alliance (DA) said it had proven the naysayers wrong that the Government of National Unity (GNU) would not survive the crucial budget test.
A fiscal framework that underpins the 2025 national budget was finally passed by both houses of Parliament during separate sittings on Wednesday.
While Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana described the four-month-long process as a painful journey, the DA is celebrating having forced his hand to retract a value-added tax (VAT) increase.
As the formation of Government of National Unity comes up for its first anniversary this weekend, the DA's Mark Burke said that the budget process had shown that his party would push the envelope to stand up for what it believed in.
"Will remain in the room, even if some are vying for us to leave, so they can raise your taxes in peace."
Burke said that the party was not prepared to be a pushover and after three versions of the budget and a court challenge, it was finally satisfied with spending on infrastructure, an audit of ghost employees, and comprehensive spending reviews.
"It's a story that runs far deeper than the headlines of too much expenditure, too much debt and too little economic growth. It's a document born in concealment, raised in conflict and matured on compromise."
The DA said that having stopped a VAT increase, it would now get to work to stop economic stagnation.