Cape Town – The ANC Veterans League has urged for a sober and informed discussion on the budget crisis after political parties failed to agree on a proposed 2% VAT increase, leading to the postponement of the national budget address.
According to SABC News, ANC Veterans League President Snuki Zikalala attributed the country’s fiscal challenges to increased public spending under former President Jacob Zuma.
The league emphasised the need for a balanced and thoughtful debate on the issue.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has justified the VAT hike as necessary to reduce debt and fulfill social obligations.
Cabinet and Treasury is set to hold a special meeting on Monday to finalise the budget, with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasising a collective, non-partisan approach to decision-making, according to IOL.
“Nobody is bringing a party jacket, there is a mechanism that we are putting in place so that you don’t have rumours. We are meeting again in a special Cabinet meeting next week Monday because it is part of that process where we analyse our part and our input as Cabinet to then allow the Minister of Finance to do his part,” the report quoted Ntshavheni as saying.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
