‘You Voted for It, We Killed It’: DA Claims Victory Over VAT Hike Reversal Amid GNU Backlash

Democratic Alliance (DA) leader John Steenhuisen isn’t pulling any punches following the government’s decision to scrap the controversial value-added tax (VAT) increase.

In a strongly worded interview with eNCA on Friday, Steenhuisen declared the reversal of the proposed 0.5 percentage point VAT hike—from 15% to 15.5%—a direct result of the DA’s legal action and political pressure.

“We were opposed to the VAT hike from the beginning,” said Steenhuisen. “Now all the other parties have come around to our viewpoint.”

Steenhuisen slammed other political parties for attempting to take credit for a reversal he believes would not have happened without the DA’s intervention through the courts.

“It’s like someone setting a house on fire and then wanting applause for throwing water on it,” he said. “Those parties who gathered at yesterday’s press conference are the very ones who voted for the VAT hike in Parliament.”

Treasury Caves Under Pressure

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced Thursday that the VAT increase—originally scheduled to take effect on May 1—would no longer go ahead. According to the National Treasury, the decision followed “consultations with political parties” and a review of recommendations from Parliament.

But the DA is convinced it was the looming legal showdown in the Western Cape High Court that forced the Finance Ministry’s hand.

“If it wasn’t for that terrible day in court—where Treasury’s case unraveled—we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” Steenhuisen argued. “The minister went into court claiming the hike was unavoidable. So, what changed? The prospect of losing the case.”

GNU Infighting and Opposition Claims

Despite the DA’s role in the Government of National Unity (GNU), tensions with the ANC continue to simmer. The DA had refused to support the 2025 Fiscal Framework, which included the VAT increase, citing the burden it would place on struggling South Africans.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also voted against the framework and supported the legal challenge.

Other parties, however, are not buying the DA’s narrative.

At a court appearance for Jacob Zuma in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday, MK Party secretary general Floyd Shivambu said the credit belonged to Zuma’s supporters.

“Only the MK Party took to the streets,” Shivambu said. “While others were in court, we were mobilising on the ground.”

Build One SA leader Mmusi Maimane said his party’s behind-the-scenes talks with the ANC helped bring about the policy U-turn. ActionSA and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) also claim to have held meaningful discussions that pressured the ANC into reconsidering.

‘Hypocrisy and Extortion’: The PA Responds

Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy leader Kenny Kunene wasn’t impressed by the DA’s declaration of victory. In a media briefing, he accused the party of hypocrisy.

“They only made noise after the Minister’s statement,” Kunene said. “That’s dishonest.”

He alleged that the DA had attempted to use the VAT issue as leverage during GNU negotiations, pushing for concessions such as scrapping the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill, and selling off state assets.

“They offered to support the VAT hike in exchange for political favours,” Kunene claimed. “When they didn’t get their way, they ran to court.”

Kunene said the DA had no moral authority to celebrate the decision, calling them “extortionists” rather than saviours of the South African public.

The Bigger Picture

While political parties squabble over who gets the glory, ordinary South Africans will be relieved the VAT rate is staying at 15%.

However, the fallout from the budget battle has revealed deep fractures within the GNU and the broader opposition landscape. The upcoming months may prove whether this fragile coalition can survive more than just political theatrics.

{Source: IOL}

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