EFF tells ANC, no chance!

EFF confirms that its leadership met with the ANC on Friday, 11 April, to discuss South Africa's growing economic challenges.

Particular focus was on the controversial 0,5% VAT hike set to take effect from 1 May 2025.

The meeting is part of a series of engagements the ANC is holding with various political parties to manage mounting public and political backlash over the VAT increase, which many believe will disproportionately affect the country's poor and working-class citizens.

The EFF, led by Julius Malema, reiterated its unwavering rejection of the proposed hike during the meeting.

EFF spokesman Sinawo Thambo confirmed: "Our rejection of the VAT hikes was exhibited by our vote against the adoption of the Standing Committee on Finance's report in the National Assembly, which was a product of a flawed and irregular process that is now subject to judicial review."

Thambo said the meeting also discussed a need to resolve ongoing budgetary impasses while safeguarding vulnerable communities through more sound and inclusive economic planning.

"Furthermore, the meeting reflected on the upcoming budgeting process regarding the Division of the Revenue Bill and Appropriation Bill," he said.

Thambo cautioned against viewing these discussions as a quick fix to the looming VAT increase.

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"Our engagements with the ANC must therefore not be mistaken as participation in a fruitless exercise to seek alternatives to the VAT increase within 30 days under false hope that such alternatives will be implemented before 1 May 2025. This is simply not practical, realistic, or legislatively permissible," said Thambo.

He explained that these talks are leading to the upcoming national budget processes and the ANC's outreach efforts to other parties amid its attempts to reshape the Government of National Unity (GNU) framework.

"Our position with regards to participation in the GNU and support for any legislation that is a product of a GNU government constituted by the DA and the FF Plus remains clear and consistent."

Meanwhile, uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party confirmed the ANC had also approached it for similar discussions.

At a rally in Soweto on Saturday, 12 April, MK party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu revealed they had formally declined the invitation.

"A letter was received from ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula requesting a meeting, and we wrote back to the ANC and told them we won't be used to scare the DA, and won't enter domestic affairs," said Shivambu.