Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy chief Kenny Kunene has condemned the Democratic Alliance (DA) for what he described as “hypocrisy” concerning the just lately introduced choice on value-added tax (VAT).
Talking at a multi-party media briefing in Sandton on Thursday, Kunene accused the DA of making an attempt to bask within the glory of this announcement, labelling their response as a disingenuous celebration.
“They awakened this morning after seeing the assertion of the minister and claimed victory—that’s fairly hypocritical,” Kunene mentioned.
“They by no means rejected the VAT enhance in the beginning.”
This comes after Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana confirmed that the VAT charge, which at the moment stands at 15%, won’t see the contentious 0.5 share level enhance, a transfer that has sparked a plethora of reactions from numerous political events.
Kunene alleged the DA tried to make use of the proposed VAT enhance as leverage to push for the privatisation of the State belongings and safe political appointments inside the Authorities of Nationwide Unity (GNU).
“They tried to make use of it to alter what Parliament had already resolved on. So a celebration of extortionists has did not serve South Africans on an vital matter of nationwide curiosity,” he mentioned.
The media briefing was led by the African Nationwide Congress (ANC) and included GNU companions such because the PA, Inkatha Freedom Occasion (IFP), United Democratic Motion (UDM), and Good Occasion. Opposition events like Construct One South Africa (BOSA) and ActionSA additionally participated.
The PA and several other different events had initially supported the 2025 Nationwide Finances, which included the VAT hike.
Nonetheless, the DA, additionally a part of the GNU, has since taken authorized motion within the Western Cape Excessive Courtroom, searching for the elimination of the tax enhance.
“So South Africans, don’t be misled,” Kunene mentioned.
“We noticed this morning (referring to Thursday) that the Western Cape was filled with posters and boards claiming victory. That courtroom course of shouldn’t be achieved. The courtroom has not dictated to those events within the GNU to take away VAT. Due to this fact, they can not declare victory.”
The Nationwide Treasury introduced that the VAT enhance, which was set to take impact on Could 1, had been withdrawn following in depth consultations with political events and a evaluate of parliamentary suggestions.
“We recognize that the Ministry of Finance has heard the events which might be gathered right here,” Kunene mentioned.
“They understood that we serve constituencies, and that our considerations stem from the mandates we’re given.”
Kunene additional accused the DA of constructing calls for throughout negotiations, saying the celebration had supplied to vote in favour of the VAT hike if particular situations have been met—together with the scrapping of the Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage (NHI) invoice, the Fundamental Schooling Legal guidelines Modification (BELA) invoice, and the privatisation of a state port.
“When the extortionists couldn’t get their manner, they ran to courtroom,” Kunene mentioned.
“The DA has no ethical authority to say victory for the elimination of the VAT enhance.”
In the meantime, the Financial Freedom Fighters (EFF), which additionally opposed the VAT hike, supported the DA’s authorized problem.
Nonetheless, with Godongwana’s announcement that the VAT charge will stay unchanged, the DA declared victory.
“Main victory for South Africans!” the DA mentioned in a press release.
“The disastrous VAT hike has formally been scrapped. This is able to not have occurred with out your stress and the DA’s relentless combat—in Parliament, in Cupboard, and in courtroom. It is a win for each citizen who can not afford greater costs.”
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
IOL Politics
