IFP to vote in favour of national budget on Wednesday
IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the party was not supporting the ANC but the budget, which he said represented the country's best choice for economic growth.
FILE: Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa addresses supporters during the IFP election manifesto launch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on March 10, 2024. Picture: RAJESH JANTILAL / AFP
JOHANNESBURG - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has announced that it will be voting in favour of the national budget on Wednesday.
This is a boost for the African National Congress (ANC) as the IFP represents the third-largest party in the GNU.
Ahead of the budget vote on Wednesday, the ANC has been canvassing for votes in and outside of the GNU.
The sticking point for many parties has been the 0.5 percentage point increase in value-added tax (VAT).
IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said the party was not supporting the ANC but the budget, which he said represented the country's best choice for economic growth.
"What is good, there is a cushioning against 0.5%. The amount of grants that were increased give a cushion. The increase of food items to be zero-rated in terms of VAT is cushioning. The fact that the fuel levy is not increased is a cushioning because if you increase the fuel levy, it triggers transport and food price increases. The fact that more money is invested on infrastructure."