Budget: the GNU hangs by thread

CROSSROADS: WILL THE DA STILL STICK IT OUT?

- Molefe Seeletsa and Jarryd Westerdale

The government of national unity (GNU) is hanging by a thread after the National Assembly passed the contentious national budget, despite strong resistance from several opposition parties.

After hours of debate, 194 Members of Parliament (MPs) voted in favour of the standing committee on finance's report on the fiscal framework and revenue proposals, while 182 opposed it.

There were no abstentions.

The fiscal framework and revenue proposals outline the country's economic policies, revenue projections, and government spending limits.

The framework — backed by ActionSA, the ANC, and the Inkatha Freedom Party — was a contentious issue during the committee's meeting on Tuesday, as various parties sought amendments.