Steenhuisen to reveal status of Budget talks with ANC

THE country will know today whether the DA and the ANC, the two leading parties in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have reached an agreement to pass the contentious budget that includes a proposed 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

- KAMOGELO MOICHELA

Sources said the DA and ANC have agreed on a deal that would give the DA more influence over economic policies going forward. However, the Expropriation Act a sticking point for the DA - will remain unchanged.

However DA leader John Steenhuisen is expected to reveal all in a press briefing today. The DA said yesterday that after a period of negotiation over the Budget, economic growth and spending reforms, Steenhuisen will brief the media on the outcome, and the implications for the budget, the GNU and the country.

This development follows the DA's initial rejection of the ANC's proposal for a 0.5% increase in VAT. This led to speculation that the GNU could collapse.