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The South African government can now get going with its mandate on government spending and service delivery, after an overwhelming majority in National Assembly, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) approved the consolidated R2.5 trillion budget on Wednesday evening.
The approval of the budget gives some psychological air to citizens, business and markets alike, as the government was operating with limited resources from last year’s budget. Given the stagnant economy of the country, the delay in approving the Appropriation Bill impacted on public confidence.
The DA, which at some point threatened not to support the budget, made a U-turn following the x-ing of the Minister for Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, the party said it will not vote in favour of departmental budgets headed by corrupt or controversial ministers.
Proceedings started with voting for the individual departmental budgets before voting for the overall Appropriation Bill.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) were consistent in voting against the budget throughout the proceedings, and calling for division. The MKP made a few mistakes during voting changing their vote three times, the party made the ultimate mistake at the end by voting in favour of the overall Appropriation Bill, their attempt to change their vote was futile.
The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) largely supported the budget, while ActionSA occasionally supported the individual departmental budgets.
When the DA voted in favour of the Human Settlement budget, the Leader of the EFF Mr Julius Malema put it on record that the DA, which claimed that it will not vote for departments led by controversial ministers, has voted in favour of the department’s budget led by Ms Thembisile Semelane, who has a dark cloud over her head.
The budget was first postponed in February to 12 March 2025, due to the 2% VAT increase proposal by the Minister of Treasury Mr Enoch Godongwana. Political parties including the DA, a Government of National Unity (GNU) partner were opposed to the proposal, sending the minister back to the drawing board.
After months of back and forth, the National Assembly finally approved the first GNU budget.
