Political parties urge Godongwana to deliver a pro-poor budget
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will present the National Budget in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon for the third time this year, after two earlier versions were rejected over proposed VAT increases.
Image: Parliament RSA
Political parties including the Democratic Alliance (DA) have called for a “pro-poor” budget as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to table a new national budget for the third time on Wednesday.
Godongwana is expected to deliver the highly anticipated speech in Parliament, Cape Town, amid heightened political and public scrutiny.
The revised fiscal plan follows his reversal of the controversial 0.5% Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike—a decision prompted by legal pressure from opposition parties.
Speaking to IOL, DA MP and national spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau, said their stance has not changed since the reversal of the VAT hike.
“As far as we are concerned, we don’t want the tax… We want a budget that will create jobs, build infrastructure and provide services to the people,” she said.
According to the DA, the hike was an unjustified burden on already struggling South African families.
Khakhau said Godongwana’s speech should speak to the challenges facing the public.
The EFF MP, Sinawo Tambo, made it clear that they are opposed to austerity measures in the budget.
This is after leader Julius Malema urged Godongwana to table a budget for the people and not capitalists.
“If the budget doesn't serve the people, they must know: There will be a fight in Parliament. We are not here to nurse egos,” he said.
ActionSA national chairperson Michael Beaumont also emphasised the need for inclusivity in fiscal planning.
Speaking to IOL, he noted that while the party hasn’t formally engaged the ruling ANC on budget matters, they expect the government to act responsibly and deliver on its commitments.
According to political analysts cited by IOL, this budget will serve as a critical test for the newly formed Government of National Unity (GNU).
With the country navigating a new era of coalition governance, compromise, consultation, and co-governance will be essential in shaping South Africa’s economic trajectory.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL Politics