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The battle for control in the Government of National Unity (GNU) is continuing as the African National Congress (ANC) and the second largest party in the GNU, the Democratic Alliance (DA) seem to be unable to agree on anything.
Following the budget speech, that proposed a 1% VAT increase over two financial years, and the eventual walk-out by the DA, a clear indication of their disappointment and anger towards the budget speech and the ANC, the DA has made it very clear that they will not support the budget.
The DA Leader and Member of Parliament Mr John Steenhuisen, said his party will not give the ANC the majority it needs to get the budget passed, he is confident that even other parties within the GNU are not in support of the budget.
Steenhuisen expressed frustration with the ANC saying they are not listening; instead they do as they please at the expense of South African citizens and its economy.
“The DA made it clear to the ANC in the GNU that we would not support any increase in taxes, unless those increases were temporary, and the ANC agreed to a series of major reforms that would grow the economy, create jobs, reduce waste and bring down taxes within three years.
The ANC refused to agree to these measures, and instead insisted on two likely permanent VAT increases, which cumulatively will increase VAT by 1% over the next two years. As a consequence, the people of South Africa will be poorer, and the future of the government is at risk,” said Steenhuisen.
The DA leader says, at the core of it all is that the ANC still wants to rule as if it has won the national elections in 2024 and is refusing to share to power.
“The underlying problem is that the ANC has still not accepted the outcome of the general election and cannot bring itself to share power.
It is deeply unfortunate that the ANC is prepared to sacrifice the South African people and risk the economic future of the country rather than accept it no longer has majority support.
The ANC VAT budget doesn’t have a majority, and the DA won’t give it one. It is now up to the ANC to fix the mess it has created,” said John Steenhuisen.
