ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has issued a stern warning to the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding budget negotiations in Parliament. Mbalula stated that if the DA continues to obstruct the budget negotiations, the current government of national unity (GNU) may need to be reconsidered.
During a media briefing after the ANC’s national executive committee meeting in Johannesburg, Mbalula emphasized the importance of maturity among partners in the GNU. He stressed the ANC’s commitment to the coalition but made it clear that behavior undermining governance objectives would not be tolerated.
The tensions between the ANC and DA have escalated due to delays in passing the national budget. Negotiations between the parties have been ongoing, with the DA raising concerns about the ANC’s handling of the process.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana revealed that the DA had previously written to President Cyril Ramaphosa accepting a VAT increase in exchange for certain concessions. In response, DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau accused Godongwana of negotiating in bad faith and criticized the finance minister for not being transparent about the party’s demands.
DA leader and Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen further escalated the situation by stating that the DA would oppose the budget unless a written agreement on growth and spending reforms was reached. Mbalula clarified that while discussions were ongoing, no final agreement had been reached yet.
Mbalula expressed confidence that a consensus could be reached soon, emphasizing the importance of passing the budget for the sake of South Africa. He criticized the DA for raising unrelated issues during the negotiations and highlighted the need for all parties to work together for the country’s benefit.
As the negotiations continue, Mbalula remains optimistic that a breakthrough will be achieved. He assured that the ANC is committed to finding common ground with the DA and other partners in the GNU to ensure the successful passage of the budget.
