Malema declares EFF official opposition after court ruling on VAT
Following National Treasury's withdrawal of the VAT adjustment last week, several parties, including the MK Part,y claimed victory for its reversal.
Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema during a media briefing at the National Results Operation Centre in Midrand on 1 June 2024. Picture: Jacques Nelles/ Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto we Sizwe Party continues to face criticism for its perceived failure to effectively play the role of an official opposition party, with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) claiming it contributed nothing to the scrapping of the value-added tax (VAT) increase.
Following National Treasury's withdrawal of the VAT adjustment last week, several parties, including the MK Party, claimed victory for its reversal.
The EFF, however, disagrees the MK Party had any role to play in fighting the adoption of the fiscal framework.
Party leader Julius Malema held a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, addressing the VAT impasse.
READ: EFF calls for Godongwana's resignation following court order suspending VAT increase
Last week, MK Party Secretary General Floyd Shivambu said, "There is no VAT that is going to be increased and that’s because of Umkhonto WeSizwe. It’s only Umkhonto WeSizwe that has been saying NO to VAT increase."
But Malema begged to differ and said Jacob Zuma's party has been a no-show.
"This makes us, from yesterday, the official opposition party. The EFF will continue to act with strategic clarity, regulatory discipline and an unwavering commitment to the poor and working class to defend, rebuild and advance the struggle for economic freedom."
On Sunday, the Western Cape High Court ruled in favor of the Democratic Alliance (DA) and EFF's application, overturning the adoption of the fiscal framework and halting the VAT increase.
Malema believes the court's decision reinforces his claim that the EFF is fulfilling the role of the official opposition more effectively than the MK Party.