DA calls on ANC to name coalition partner ahead of budget vote
Image: IOL graphic
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is urging the African National Congress (ANC) to publicly identify its preferred coalition partner as it seeks support for the upcoming budget vote.
In an interview with IOL, DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau emphasised the need for the ANC to be transparent about its coalition intentions.
Khakhau expressed the DA's commitment to serving the people of South Africa without complications.
“The ANC must decide who they want to be in coalition with and act on it. If they wish to govern alongside us, we will continue to champion the best interests of South Africans,” she added.
Recent discussions have seen the ANC reaching out to parties outside the Government of National Unity (GNU) to build support for the budget.
These parties include the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), the MK Party, ActionSA, and more recently, Build One South Africa (BOSA).
While the MKP and EFF have not outright rejected the ANC’s proposal, they have made it clear that they will not back a budget that includes a Value Added Tax (VAT) increase.
ActionSA has also declined the ANC's request for parliamentary support, citing the VAT hike as a primary concern.
"ActionSA has communicated to the ANC Task Team negotiating the passage of the 2025/26 budget that we will not support the budget," the party stated in an official release.
Khakhau reiterated the DA's firm stance against the VAT increase, asserting, “Our position on the budget remains the same.”
Earlier this month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented the budget, which included a proposed VAT increase of 0.5% for both the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 fiscal years, ultimately raising the VAT rate by 1%.
Although the budget has been tabled, parliamentary debate, voting, and passage are still pending, with the date yet to be announced.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
thabomakwakwa@iol.co.za
IOL Politics