MK Party calls for resignation of Finance Minister over VAT u-turn
The MK Party, which has been against the hike’s implementation, says the decision proves Godongwana has failed to lead in his portfolio.
FILE: MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu. Picture: Jacques Nelles/EWN
DURBAN - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party is calling for the resignation of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana following his u-turn on the increase of value-added tax (VAT).
On Wednesday night, Godongwana announced that the contentious hike would no longer be effected.
The MK Party, which has been against the hike’s implementation, says the decision proves Godongwana has failed to lead in his portfolio.
The party's secretary general, Floyd Shivhambu, addressed MK Party supporters on the sidelines of party leader Jacob Zuma's court case in Pietermaritzburg.
“Comrades as members of uMkhonto weSizwe, must demand that the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, must resign with immediate effect.”
'GODONGWANA IS HERE TO STAY' - ANC
Meanwhile, Godongwana has received the full support of his political party, the African National Congress (ANC), which has reaffirmed there’s no need for him to step down from his position.
The budget deadlock, compounded by Godongwana’s failed bid to increase VAT, has heightened calls for his removal from the ministerial post.
The minister accepted proposals for alternatives to the VAT increase, following weeks of negotiations with several political parties.
Speaking at a multi-party media briefing on Thursday, ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula says Godongwana is here to stay.
"He has done the job that was expected of him. He has consulted political parties and those who chose not to engage him, did not engage him. We engaged with political parties. Others told us to get rid of so and so, and then we will talk."
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