Parliament vote looms, but no budget deal in sight. Image: News24.
(The Post News)– With only three days to go before the parliamentary vote, the two main parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have yet to reach an agreement on the 2025 budget proposals.
The DA publicly opposed the budget due to a 0.5% VAT increase, but the ANC has disputed this, claiming the DA has additional demands beyond the budget proposal. Despite the budget impasse, insiders reveal that calm and level-headed representatives from both major parties in the GNU are holding talks to find a resolution.
A source close to the talks expressed surprise at the ANC’s initial rejection of the DA’s proposals, describing the DA’s ideas as reasonable and potentially beneficial to the economy. Within the ANC, opinions are divided, with some members predicting that a postponement of the budget is now unavoidable. Meanwhile, an ANC insider believes the DA’s demands are a precursor to a larger conflict, suggesting it might be wiser to sever ties while its still early rather than prolonging the inevitable.
Some suggest the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a potential coalition partner, believing that leader Julius Malema may be more open to collaboration after being humbled by recent experiences. The frantic negotiations will likely continue until the eleventh hour, culminating in a crucial budget vote in Parliament this Wednesday.
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