DA insists no agreement on way forward on Godongwana Budget Speech

JOHANNESBURG - With just hours remaining before Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana tables his proposed Budget Policy Statement, the Democratic Alliance (DA) insists there is no agreement on the way forward.  

DA spokesperson Karabo Khaukhau told Radio 702 that parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) still do not see eye to eye on the suggested value-added tax (VAT) increase.  

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Godongwana is scheduled to present a revised budget in Parliament on Wednesday, following weeks of internal disagreements over key proposals in his speech.  

His proposed VAT hike was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back when it came to the Budget Speech in February, and now – weeks later – the parties still have not been able to find one another.  

The minister is currently in a Cabinet meeting, which is likely to forge the way forward.  

Eyewitness News understands he met with GNU partners as well as the African National Congress (ANC) caucus, which is expected to back the minister’s proposals.  

But the DA – a major GNU partner – has dug in its heels. Its spokesperson, Karabo Khaukhau, said the party will not accept an increase in VAT.  

“There is still no deal. The DA will not, under any circumstance, approve a VAT hike. The ANC’s proposal of a VAT hike further wants to increase the levels of inequality. They do not care about the majority of the South African population.”  

Godongwana is expected to address Parliament at 2pm.