Godongwana Plots Budget 3.0 Amid VAT U-Turn and Political Turmoil

South Africa’s Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced plans to present a new national budget on May 21 after the government was forced to abandon the original budget’s proposal of a 0.5% VAT increase. The reversal, which occurred after intense political pressure, saw some opposition parties demand Godongwana’s resignation. He revealed the development at a press briefing in Pretoria. Godongwana, a member of the African National Congress (ANC), acknowledged the challenges of working under the Government of National Unity. He called it “uncharted territory” compared to previous ANC-dominated parliaments. Although he admitted that the process has been messy, he reaffirmed his constitutional duty to present the budget. However, he refused to entertain questions about the budget until it has been presented to parliament.

IOL