African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula claimed the Democratic Alliance (DA) would have supported the proposed 0.5% VAT increase on condition that the government backtracked on transformation legislation including Expropriation Act, National Health Insurance (NHI) and BELA Act.

Mbalula told journalists in a media briefing on Thursday that the DA was not honest about why they rejected the VAT increase.

He accused the party of wanting to see South Africa return to the “good old days” of apartheid economic privilege.

“We don’t think that those are policy matters that you must use the budget to block transformation.

“Their opposition to the VAT increase is not about protecting the poor; it is about ensuring that economic policies serve corporate interests at the expense of working-class South Africans,” he claimed.

On Wednesday, reacting to the budget speech, DA leader John Steenhuisen stated his party will not support the budget, including the VAT hike. He said this would financially cripple the citizens. However, Mbalula said will not be deterred.

“We remain committed to the people’s aspirations, and we will continue working towards a South Africa that is inclusive, just, and economically transformed,” he said.

The ANC welcomed and supported the budget tabled by Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana.

According to Mbalula, the ANC remains the only political formation genuinely committed to transformation, economic justice, and the full realisation of the aspirations of the majority.

He said the budget proposal was a step forward, and with the continued support of the people, they will ensure that it translates into real and tangible progress.

“This budget proposal provides a framework for investment, industrialisation, and economic transformation, ensuring that South Africa’s wealth is shared among its people,” he said.

kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za

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