The whole country was left speechless when the Speaker of Parliament, Thoko Didiza, announced that the budget speech had been postponed for the first time since the dawn of democracy. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa reassured citizens that this move was in their best interest.

FOR THE VULNERABLE CITIZENS

Ramaphosa said Cabinet's ongoing discussions aim to protect vulnerable citizens while laying the foundation for economic growth. He explained that the postponement resulted from disagreement and an understandable difference in opinions within the Cabinet that budget proposals be revised to secure the well-being of the economy and individual citizens. "We are called upon as the national leadership to pursue all initiatives aimed at growth for us to increase employment and alleviate the effects of poverty." He added: "We are working as partners to ensure that the budget works for individuals and investors alike."

CONSIDER AFFORDABILITY 

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was set to deliver the budget with a VAT increase of 2%, taking it from 15% to 17%. Addressing the media Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni claimed that the disagreement to proceed with the budget has nothing to do with politics. The DA argued that the VAT hike would lead unaffording South Africans straight to poverty.