What to expect from Minister Godongwana's upcoming speech

WHILE there have been calls for Enoch Godongwana to resign, South Africa's Finance Minister announced this past week that a third Budget Speech will be taking place later this month, on May 21.

- ASHLEY LECHMAN

The announcement came after the 0.5% value-added tax (VAT) reversal, which was proposed in the March 2025 Budget, with the matter being taken to court by the DA and EFF.

In February, the minister's first budget attempt was thwarted by political parties in Parliament, as the minister proposed a larger VAT increase of 2%.

Godongwana said that the Budget of March 12 and the proposed VAT increase sparked rigorous debate.

"This is welcomed in a healthy democracy. Today there is clarity that VAT will remain at 15%. This decision was shaped not only by political debate but by the voices of the South African people. When people speak we must listen. I'm encouraged by the passion shown, and it reflects the seriousness with which we approach the hard choices needed to place our finances on a sustainable path."

Godongwana said that we are all new in South Africa to what is called coalition politics.