No retreat: DA to challenge VAT hike despite ANC pressure

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is pressing on with its legal battle against the government’s fiscal framework, refusing to back down despite having held what it called “constructive” talks with the ANC over the weekend.

At the centre of the row is the 0.5 percentage point VAT increase, which the DA argues will hit poor South Africans the hardest and slow down economic growth.

“We have not decided to drop the court action on the VAT case,” said DA federal chairperson Helen Zille, according to . The party filed its challenge in IOL .The Western Cape High Court, contesting the legality of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals.

The DA voted against the national budget, but it was still passed with the support of other members of the Government of National Unity (GNU), led by the ANC.

In an interview with eNCA, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula insisted that the DA must cooperate if it wants South Africa to move forward. He made it clear the ANC holds the responsibility to lead the country and won’t be swayed by political posturing.

“Do you want this country to be reduced to rubble because of reckless decisions? Should the ANC behave like a small puppy in the GNU?” ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula. pic.twitter.com/hiiSLv5abF

— eNCA (@eNCA) April 13, 2025

“We’ve got the bigger responsibility than the DA and everyone else to run this country,” Mbalula said. “Answers are expected from us, not from the DA. They’ve got the luxury to want to punt political victory even where it is not needed.”

Mbalula said political recklessness could not be allowed to undermine South Africa’s progress, and that the ANC would not reduce itself to what he called a “small puppy” in the GNU.

“Even our members, wherever they are, they scream, ‘Get the DA out!’ If we were thinking like a puppy, very small in ideas, not for South Africa and national interest, that decision wouldn’t have been taken yesterday,” he said.

Mbalula added that the focus must be on defending the country’s future. “The case is for me and you who don’t have two passports, we’ve got one. South Africa must be defended at all cost, and South Africa must win and that’s what is important.”

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Sourced:African Insider

Picture: IOL