Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that discussions on finalising the national budget are ongoing, with various political parties engaged in the process.
The budget, tabled last week, includes a VAT increase, which has faced opposition from parties like the DA.
Speculation suggests the ANC may seek EFF support, but Ramaphosa emphasised that all parties in Parliament will be consulted.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Bana Pele Early Childhood Development Leadership Summit in Braamfontein, Gauteng, where he delivered the keynote address Ramaphosa said that Parliament will ultimately decide on the budget, and discussions will continue across government.
“The discussions on the budget are ongoing. They have started and we are going to have a number of discussions across government with various political parties because it is now in the hands of Parliament and Parliament is the one that is going to be the arbiter.”
“So let’s leave that to parliamentarians… so they will deal with that. We are talking to everyone about the budget.
He also emphasised that discussions were inclusive and involved multiple parties.
“We are talking to everyone about the budget; everyone who is represented in parliament will be interacting and engaging on the budget issue.
“So it’s as simple as all that. We’re not only talking to one party,” Ramaphosa said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
