ANC, DA understood to be close to reaching deal over contentious SA budget

JOHANNESBURG - Eyewitness News understands that the African National Congress (ANC) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) are close to finding common ground on the country’s budget and that a deal has been reached with smaller parties.  

This is ahead of Tuesday’s finance portfolio committee sitting, which is expected to present and adopt a report before Wednesday’s vote on the 2025 fiscal policy framework.  

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The ANC has been meeting with its Government of National Unity (GNU) partners and the opposition.  

Despite ActionSA laying down the gauntlet last week, Eyewitness News understands that an agreement to see the green party backing the ANC on the budget proposal has been reached.

ActionSA is likely to present an alternative to the contentious 0.5% point value-added tax (VAT) hike that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced earlier in March.

However, Eyewitness News also understands the DA isn't fazed by this, believing that the ANC is using ActionSA as insurance in case talks between the two major parties collapse.  

Insiders claim a deal is close, with the ANC and DA left with minor differences to iron out.  

Parliament will vote on the 2025 budget on Wednesday.