Progressive Caucus unites against national budget

Godongwana's highly contested VAT increase remains a deal-breaker for opposition parties

- By Queenin Masuabi

The MK Party-and EFF-led Progressive Caucus in parliament has resolved not to support the national budget, which was presented by Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana earlier this month because of the five percentage point value-added tax increase.

Despite the tumultuous relationship between the EFF and MK Party, the two regrouped and held a meeting last week Wednesday in Cape Town, along with other partners, namely ATM, United Africans Transformation and the Cape Coloured Congress, where all unanimously agreed to reject the budget.

The meeting was called by MK Party’s leader in the National Assembly, Dr John Hlophe, while EFF chief whip Nontando Nolutsungu represented the party’s views during the meeting.