GNU pulling together despite the differences

While political parties in the government of national unity (GNU) may differ on policies, they are all "pulling in the same direction", said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

- Faizel Patel

This follows the postponement of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana's budget speech, which is now scheduled for 12 March, due to the GNU parties' disagreement on increasing VAT to 17%.

The postponement of the budget speech, the first under the GNU government, resulted in frustration, uncertainty and embarrassment to the country.

Ramaphosa was expected to chair a special Cabinet meeting in Cape Town yesterday to discuss the budget.

Writing in his weekly newsletter yesterday, Ramaphosa said Cabinet decided to postpone the presentation to allow further discussion on areas of disagreement.