Ntshavheni dismisses reports that Cabinet rejected revised budget

CAPE TOWN - Minister in the presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has dismissed reports of contestations in Cabinet over a revised budget to be tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana next month.

Ntshavheni also said the 12th of March is "cast in stone" for the budget speech as the Government of National Unity (GNU) parties continue discussions on what should make up the budget.

Ntshavheni was addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Cape Town on Thursday around issues discussed in Cabinet on Wednesday.
 
Ntshavheni said Cabinet reiterated that the postponement of the budget was because of efforts to collectively address government's funding challenges.

READ: Ramaphosa confident GNU will present budget that promotes inclusive growth & job creation
 
While the Value-added tax (VAT) increase proposal was rejected by parties, she says they're still locked in discussions. But she said rumours of contestations are just that.

"Rumours of contestations are just that, rumours. Because in cabinet we don't have political parties, and we don't have people representing their political parties."
 
She also said the budget postponement was nothing out of the ordinary.
 
"The postponement while it is the first in the history of South Africa, but not out of the norm in other jurisdictions, it's still within the provisions of the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act]."
 
Ntshavheni said parties will meet again at a special Cabinet on Monday to consider final inputs.