Budget Speech Postponed Amid GNU Disagreements, Sparking Opposition Backlash
Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza admitted that the postponement of the 2025 Budget Speech may have led to wasted funds, marking an unprecedented move strongly opposed by several opposition parties.
Didiza explained that Parliament was compelled to delay the speech after being informed by the executive that members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) had failed to reach a consensus on the address Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was set to deliver in Cape Town.
“We acknowledge that this is unprecedented, but Parliament had to accept that no speech could be presented after the GNU Chief Whips requested a postponement,” Didiza stated.
While GNU parties, including the Democratic Alliance, supported the delay, opposition groups such as the ATM, UDM, EFF, and MK Party firmly rejected it. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula insisted that the finance minister should proceed with delivering the speech, arguing that prioritizing market reassurance undermines the people's voice in governance.
BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane criticized the GNU for its lack of preparation, despite having six months to plan. “The real reason for the postponement is the proposed 2% VAT increase,” he claimed.
Opposition parties have since demanded that the finance minister provide accountability for the delay.
Didiza explained that Parliament was compelled to delay the speech after being informed by the executive that members of the Government of National Unity (GNU) had failed to reach a consensus on the address Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was set to deliver in Cape Town.
“We acknowledge that this is unprecedented, but Parliament had to accept that no speech could be presented after the GNU Chief Whips requested a postponement,” Didiza stated.
While GNU parties, including the Democratic Alliance, supported the delay, opposition groups such as the ATM, UDM, EFF, and MK Party firmly rejected it. ATM leader Vuyo Zungula insisted that the finance minister should proceed with delivering the speech, arguing that prioritizing market reassurance undermines the people's voice in governance.
BOSA leader Mmusi Maimane criticized the GNU for its lack of preparation, despite having six months to plan. “The real reason for the postponement is the proposed 2% VAT increase,” he claimed.
Opposition parties have since demanded that the finance minister provide accountability for the delay.
