Media Statements

In line with the undertaking made at our media briefing held yesterday, the African National Congress (ANC) Negotiating Team led by the ANC Secretary General, Comrade Fikile Mbalula held a formal meeting today with the leadership of ActionSA delegation, led by its President, Mr Herman Mashaba.

The meeting was frank and cordial. It reflected a shared recognition of the urgency required to resolve the current budget impasse in a manner that safeguards service delivery, upholds the principles of sound fiscal governance, and protects the most vulnerable from any unjust burden.

The ANC and ActionSA both reaffirmed the necessity of identifying viable alternatives to the proposed VAT increase, with a mutual commitment to avoid any such adjustment before 1 May 2025. The discussion was firmly anchored on the fiscal framework and budgetary issues, nothing beyond that was tabled.

The parties agreed to have a follow-up meeting in the coming week as part of this commitment to finding solutions.

The ANC continues to demonstrate its readiness to engage all parliamentary stakeholders with a clear focus on the national interest, public accountability, and advancing economic recovery. We remain committed to resolving the budget deadlock in a manner that preserves stability, protects the developmental mandate of the state, and fosters responsible cooperation in Parliament.

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