The Democratic Alliance had threatened to withhold its vote unless President Cyril Ramaphosa fired the errant higher education minister

The EFF criticises it as ‘unimaginative’ and not benefiting poorer South Africans, while the DA calls it a step towards ending ‘unchecked government spending’

The party has proposed a R512.8bn revenue strategy and refuses to agree to a VAT increase

The Democratic Alliance now plans to challenge the fiscal framework in court, further raising the tension around its future in the ruling coalition

The agreement came thanks to a lifeline ActionSA threw the ANC

In its budget review, the treasury flagged Transnet’s high debt levels, saying it needs to make faster progress on its plan to improve operations and finances

The recent termination of USAid to HIV/Aids and TB organisations in South Africa was a bone of contention in the 2025 budget

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to deliver the budget speech after it was postponed last month due to a lack of consensus among cabinet ministers in the government of national unity.

Members of the government of national unity and opposition parties have raised concerns that the ongoing impasse between the ANC and DA could trigger the need for fresh elections

The chairs of parliament’s finance committees say the country is on a fiscal cliff and the minister has to make difficult choices in his budget this week

The treasury needs to focus on strengthening revenue collection, efficient allocation and optimisation

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavhenini said the postponement was necessary to address funding challenges within a constrained fiscal environment

Tax bracket over-inflation has led to income inequality and less money for essential services

The unprecedented step came after cabinet failed to agree on the tax measures Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana proposed

Last year, the finance minister hinted there would be tax increases in 2025