IFP recommits to GNU, affirms support for national budget
IFP leader Hlabisa met with the ANC on Thursday, as part of the ANC’s efforts to re-establish its partnerships with political parties and a reset of relations following last week’s budget impasse.
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader Velenkosini Hlabisa. Picture: Facebook/InkathaFreedomParty
CAPE TOWN - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has recommitted itself to the Government of National Unity (GNU) and reaffirmed its support for the national budget, which has deepened a rift between the biggest parties in the governing coalition.
The party’s leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, met with the African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday, as part of the ANC’s efforts to re-establish its partnerships with political parties and a reset of relations following last week’s budget impasse.
The IFP said it accepted the value-added tax (VAT) increase, which will come into effect in May, was only a temporary measure to raise much-needed revenue.
The third-largest party in the GNU said it believes the budget tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was, at its heart, pro-poor, with robust safety nets to protect vulnerable families.
This includes the expansion of zero-rated VAT items.
READ: IFP vows to hold govt accountable to ensure VAT hike doesn't burden poor, working class
Party spokesperson and deputy minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, said his party has urged the national Treasury to explore alternative revenue sources to mitigate the impact of the 0.5 percentage point VAT increase.
"Both parties further concurred that additional government borrowing is not a viable option given South Africa’s current economic constraints and debt levels."
Despite current fraught relations, particularly between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and its other coalition partners, Hlengwa said his party remained fully committed to the GNU.
"Both parties view the current arrangement as the most viable mechanism to ensure South Africa’s stability, growth and long-term development under the current electoral framework."
The IFP said it would meet separately with the DA on Sunday.
It will want to avoid the national budget fallout from affecting its provincial governing coalition with the DA in KwaZulu-Natal.
The DA and Freedom Front Plus are still both due to meet the ANC over the weekend as part of the reset talks.
It will be the turn of Rise Mzansi to meet the ANC on Friday.