EFF to Oppose Budget Measures That May Unfairly Hurt the Poor

(The Post News)– Ahead of the finance minister’s updated budget statement on May 21, 2025, in the afternoon, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) spokesperson, Sinawo Thambo, promised to stick to their position opposing policies that would disproportionately impact the poor.

Minister Enoch Godongwana tabled his third budget attempt at the Cape Town International Convention Center after the previous ones were widely rejected by most political parties.

Thambo told the media that the tax hike is not the solution but a betrayal of the people’s trust and emphasised that the EFF stands for a future where the needs of the people come first.

Thambo shared that they are more interested in knowing about the financial measures that will be enacted by the government in ensuring that jobs are created, citing that they have already successfully defeated the VAT increase in Parliament and in the Western Cape High Court.

He also highlighted their recent pose against the inclusion of Johan Rupert in South Africa’s delegation, which will meet with United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday.

In a statement shared on X, the EFF raised their concerns over Rupert’s presence in the US, describing it as a “spit in the face of our democracy”. According to the party, Rupert has always been opposing the expropriation of land without compensation.

The EFF blamed Ramaphosa and Trump for what they believed to be allowing the influence of “benefactors and funders” to control relations between the two countries. The party referred to Elon Musk and Rupert as “two sides of the same coin”, stating that they are both self-centered businessmen who demonstrate their power over the presidents of these two countries and have a huge stake in both of these communities.

The EFF also denounced Musk and Rupert for being “racists” who are against transformation and equality, as it may threaten their wealth and control over the political fortunes of both countries.