EFF Slams “right-wing neoliberal” 2025 budget as a betrayal of the poor and working class

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have come out swinging against the 2025 budget tabled by Finance Minister calling it shameful betrayal of the poor and working class in favour of “parasitic white capitalist establishment.”

In a scathing statement released following  budget announcement, EFF firmly rejected  proposed budget as a final nail in the coffin of economic struggles facing the most vulnerable communities in South Africa.

The party accused Godongwana of catering to the interests of multinational corporations at the expense of the country’s much-needed economic growth and development.

According to the EFF, the budget shows clear capitulation to the whims of the National Treasury, with no consideration for the plight of the poor and working class.

The party decried the absence of a guiding economic policy framework that links government spending with sustainable economic growth, development, and job creation to reduce poverty and inequality.

Of particular concern to the EFF is the proposal to increase Value Added Tax (VAT) by 0.5% in 2025/2026 and another 0.5% in 2026/27.

The party warned that this would place an undue burden on the poor and middle class, while letting  corporate sector off the hook for illicit financial flows and tax evasion.

The EFF called on Members of Parliament and Opposition Parties to utilize the Money Bills Amendment Procedures and Related Matters Act, 2009 to amend the proposed fiscal framework and revenue proposals contained in the Budget.

The party also urged civil society, trade unions, and academic institutions to come together in solidarity to reject the VAT increase.

In addition to criticizing the VAT hike, the EFF condemned the ongoing privatization of public services, particularly at municipal levels.

The party warned that the National Treasury’s push for privatisation and commercialization of municipal services would lead to unaffordable services for many South Africans.

Despite the proposed social grant increases, the EFF argued that they would not be enough to support vulnerable and poor households, particularly in a climate of high joblessness and economic uncertainty.

The party also criticized the delay in introducing a comprehensive and sustainable social grant for unemployed youth, calling the continuous extension of the SRD grant “malicious.”

The EFF vowed to study the proposed budget, Appropriation Bill, and Division of Revenue Bill to determine an appropriate course of action, which may include mobilising stakeholders to reject the 2025 budget.