The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called on members of parliament to reject and push for amendments to any proposed tax increases expected in today’s budget speech. This appeal comes as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to present the 2025/2026 financial year budget on Wednesday afternoon.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo says, “I think it’s inevitable that there’s going to be a percentage point increase in VAT, it’s just about the quantity of it now. And we must be prepared as responsible parliamentarians – not only to reject that but to amend it because there’s actually legislation that allows members of parliament to reject a proposed fiscal framework and revenue proposal and that is exactly what the finance minister is going to present.”
Tambo adds, “What Treasury presents through the Minister of Finance – that’s something that can only be accepted or rejected. There must be a constant back-and-forth engagement with Treasury. And therefore it’s up to parliamentarians to now participate in active bipartisanship and ensure that we create a growth ensured budget.”
‘Heed our call’
Meanwhile, the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) has also called on the Finance Minister not to increase VAT or any taxes.
Contralesa president Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena says, “Contralesa is looking forward to the tabling of the budget by the Minister of Finance. We expect this budget to be pro-poor. Any increase to VAT or any tax will be rejected by Contralesa. Our people are unemployed and very poor. Poor planning by government can not be replaced by the increase of VAT and other taxes.”
“Contralesa wants to warn the Minister not to increase VAT because if he continues to do so, we will be left with no choice but to mobilise our people to express their dissatisfaction against this. The minister must just heed our call.”-Additional reporting by Vusi Shongwe
The audio below is discussing the budget speech:
