DA defeats ANC as 2% VAT increase is halted with budget postponement

Democratic Alliance (DA) claims it has emerged victorious in their battle against African National Congress (ANC) as the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwane, postponed 2025/26 National Budget Speech.

This postponement has effectively blocked the ANC’s plan to implement a 2% VAT increase, much to the relief of struggling South Africans.

DA leader, John Steenhuisen, hailed this postponement as a triumph for the people of South Africa, preventing a move that would have further burdened an already fragile economy.

Steenhuisen credited the DA resolute opposition to the VAT hike as the reason behind the last-minute delay, highlighting the party’s commitment to defending the interests of ordinary citizens.

Steenhuisen criticized the ANC, and specifically Finance Minister Godongwane, for failing to engage constructively with alternative proposals put forward by the DA.

He emphasized the importance of introducing a budget that focuses on economic growth rather than increasing taxes or debt, stating that the DA will continue to fight for a new budget that prioritizes the well-being of South Africans.

“This historic victory showcases the strength of the DA within the Government of National Unity,” Steenhuisen declared.

“We have successfully thwarted the ANC’s damaging VAT increase and now it is time to replace it with a growth-oriented budget that will set South Africa on a path to prosperity, ” he added.