EFF says it will oppose Wednesday's adoption of fiscal framework and budget

CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) said they would oppose Wednesday’s adoption of the fiscal framework and budget because it was unilateral and also “nullified” the public participation process.

The red berets have also called out the Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana and National Treasury for undermining Parliament by raising the fuel levy on the 4 June - a week before the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) could consider and adopt the fiscal framework.

Members from both houses of Parliament are on Wednesday afternoon set to consider and vote on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals, which include a levy increase of 16 cents and 15 cents per litre for petrol and diesel respectively.

The consideration of the fiscal framework and the budget by Parliament follows last week’s court challenge, where the EFF had tried to have the fuel levy suspended.

But the court ruled against the party, paving the way for Parliament to now adopt the budget and levy proposal, which has already come into effect.

But EFF spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo said the will continue their fight in the chamber on Wednesday.

“South Africans are already bearing the brunt of that tax adjustment in the form of a fuel levy hike at the unilateral decision-making powers of the Minister of Finance. So we are going to voice our concerns in the national assembly about the nullification of the public participation process and the undermining of parliament as well.”

On losing their court challenge, Thambo said they’re saddened on behalf of the people of South Africa because a fuel levy hike will result in an increase in the cost of food and services.