Not ActionSA’s problem if ANC fails to remove VAT hike before 1 May – Herman Mashaba
ActionSA voted in favour of the 2025 budget after reportedly coming to an agreement with the ANC that the VAT hike would later be removed.
FILE: ActionSA leader, Herman Mashaba. Picture: X/Action4SA
702’s Clement Manyathela speaks with ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba.
Listen below:
The ANC managed to get the controversial 2025 budget framework passed with the support of ActionSA.
This budget includes a VAT increase to 15.5%, putting more financial pressure on South African consumers.
The increase is set to come into effect on 1 May.
However, ActionSA has taken to X to insist there will be no VAT increase as the ANC has supported their alternative proposal.
Manyathela believes that ActionSA has been tricked into believing the VAT increase will be removed.
Mashaba insists that ActionSA has put forward a proposal that was voted on in parliament, that gives an alternative to the VAT increase.
He says that if the government fails to implement this proposal before 1 May it is 'not their problem'.
He adds that if the ANC does not follow through on the changes to the budget, they will not vote in favour of the official budget.
“Without ActionSA’s support, I wonder how they are going to pass the real budget.”
- Herman Mashaba, Leader - ActionSA
“The ANC has a responsibility to ensure that before 1 May they bring in a new Bill.”
- Herman Mashaba, Leader - ActionSA
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Parliament is currently on recess and will only return 10 days before 1 May.
To reverse the VAT increase a new Bill must be passed in that timeframe.
Mashaba says that the ANC will have betrayed the people of South Africa if they do not revoke the VAT increase.
“If the ANC fails to meet those deadlines, it is not going to be our problem.”
- Herman Mashaba, Leader - ActionSA
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview for more.