Godongwana not considering stepping down after U-turn on VAT increase
Godongwana has faced calls to resign because of the budget fallout and VAT reversal, but he says any decision to change a cabinet minister is up to the President.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana briefs the media following the postponement of his budget speech. Picture: Parliament
CAPE TOWN - Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is not considering stepping down after his VAT increase u-turn and says the President understands the challenges he faced.
Godongwana has faced calls to resign because of the budget fallout and VAT reversal, but he says any decision to change a cabinet minister is up to the President.
READ: Godongwana to address G20 delegates in Washington after VAT hike U-turn
Godongwana addressed the media on Wednesday on the VAT reversal and the process that will unfold after his revised budget to be tabled on the 21st of May.
The VAT reversal and budget fallout has led to calls for Minister Godongwana to resign from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and MK Party.
The EFF said Godongwana failed to present a budget that is lawful and developmental, while the MK Party has written to the speaker requesting a motion of no confidence against him be considered.
But Godongwana says he hasn’t considered resigning saying it would be unfair for him to step down for performing his constitutional duties.
"I don’t think I can answer that question and say that’s my intention at the moment, no."
He says all cabinet decisions lie with the President.
"On that questions let me conclude by saying that decision does not lie with me, it lies with the President."
Godongwana says he’s also mindful that the president has been fully engaged with this process and he understands the nature of the challenges they faced in dealing with the VAT problem.