'National Treasury senior staff, minister should be overhauled'

Budget crisis should end Godongwana's political career

- By Mpho Sibanyoni

The National Treasury leadership should resign following the faux pas that resulted in the 2025/2026 national budget being tabled twice.

This is the view of economist Duma Gqubule, who believes senior staff at National Treasury, along with Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, should step down for pushing for a value-added tax hike despite serious opposition.

Initially, Godongwana had to abandon tabling the budget in February, which sought to raise VAT by two percentage points to 17% from 15%.

However, due to a fierce backlash, he backed down, later proposing a 1% increase with a 0.5% split increase over two financial years.

Treasury faced opposition after presenting the fiscal framework to government ministers before the National Budget sitting in Parliament.

There was a charge against the 0.5% VAT increase, which was split into two financial years, 2025/26 and 2026/27.

After the VAT hike rejection, Godongwana is scheduled to table the budget on May 21.