The ongoing debate over the 0.5% increase in value-added tax (VAT) has sparked a fierce political feud, with ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula accusing the Democratic Alliance (DA) of using the issue to score political points.
This latest clash comes after the DA refused to vote for adopting the fiscal framework in Parliament earlier this week, signaling a deeper divide between the two parties.
The VAT increase, introduced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, was initially backed by the DA under one key condition – the scrapping of the Exportation Act. However, Mbalula insists this move shows the DA’s insincerity in the matter.
Mbalula: DA’s Arrogance and Grandstanding
Mbalula did not hold back in his criticism of the DA, labeling them as “arrogant” and accusing them of prioritizing political victories over finding genuine solutions. In a scathing statement, Mbalula emphasized that the DA’s approach to grandstanding has been detrimental to constructive dialogue.
“The arrogance of the DA needs to be tamed. They are arrogant. They’ve got no respect. All that’s important to them is that they must win. You can’t find a solution by grandstanding, and that’s what the DA has done thus far,” Mbalula said.
ANC and ActionSA: A New Path Forward?
While tensions continue to rise between the ANC and the DA, the ANC has not ruled out the possibility of ActionSA stepping in to join the Government of National Unity (GNU).
The DA’s refusal to support the fiscal framework has thrown the future of the party in the GNU into question, creating an opening for ActionSA to potentially fill the void.
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Mbalula confirmed that discussions with Herman Mashaba’s ActionSA have already taken place. He expressed a positive view of these talks, focusing on the party’s shared commitment to the country rather than political power.
“We have had a very decent and good discussion with ActionSA. They’ve shown that they love this country, and that’s what we respect them for – not positions – and that’s what is important for us going forward,” the ANC Secretary remarked.
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