Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has defended his budget, urging members of Parliament to keep their eye on the ball. Godongwana and National Treasury addressed a joint meeting of the appropriations and finance committees from the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) earlier today.

HE CONSIDERED THE POOR IN THE BUDGET

Despite much criticism over the 0.5 VAT increment, Godongwana insisted that he considered the poor in his budget. "The health budget is so eroded that accruals amount to R21 billion. If all of us here as honourable members care about these poor communities whose services have been eroded, it's going to be important that irrespective of where we stand on several things, we keep our eyes on the ball. The budget will deal with issues around how it will benefit vulnerable communities," he said.

NOT BUYING THIS

However, the DA, being a partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU), still doesn't believe that Godongwana considered all those who will be taking strain due to the VAT increase. DA leader John Steenhuisen says it's the ANC that insisted on two permanent VAT increases. "As a consequence, the people of South Africa will be poorer, and the future of the government is at risk. Unfortunately, the ANC is prepared to sacrifice the South African people and risk the economic future of the country rather than accept it no longer has majority support," he said.