Internal disputes within the Government of National Unity (GNU) caused the 2025 Budget Speech, which was originally planned for February 19, to be abruptly postponed. Political groups have expressed their fury over the decision, with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party denouncing what they see as the neoliberal agenda of the DA-led coalition.
Serious questions concerning investor confidence, governance stability, and economic direction have been brought up by the delay. The MK Party, which has been outspoken in its criticism of the DA’s alleged control over the GNU, has pledged to oppose any measures that it believes will deepen economic disparities.
What Was the Postponement of the Budget Speech?
Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza declared on February 19 that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana will not be making the scheduled budget address. Disagreements within the executive over important budgetary items, including a proposed rise in the Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 17%, were the reason for the postponement.
“After consulting with the head of government business, I just had a consultation with all of the Whips of parties. We have made the decision to postpone the proceedings until a date that will be chosen by the programming committee in accordance with Rule 48, subsection 2. “This complies with Rule 10,” Didiza stated.
She went on to say that more talks were required because the administration had not been able to agree on important tax and budgetary ideas. The date of the forthcoming budget address has been chosen for March 12, 2025.
In response, the MK Party said, “DA controls the GNU.”
In response to the postponement, the MK Party issued a media statement denouncing the action and charging the DA with using the GNU for its neoliberal ends.
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