DA’s budget stance anti-poor, anti-middle class – Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has condemned the Democratic Alliance for its refusal to support Wednesday’s budget, accusing the party of using political tactics to block the country’s progress.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana re-tabled the budget after a historic three-week delay, which included a VAT increase to 16% by the 2026/27 financial year, with a 0.5% rise in 2025/26 and another in 2026/27.
“The DA’s opposition to the budget isn’t about VAT increases. It’s about reversing the gains of transformation; it’s anti-poor, anti-middle class, and aimed at undoing the Land Expropriation Act,” Ntshavheni said at a post-cabinet briefing on Thursday.
The DA has filed papers in the High Court to challenge the Expropriation Act, arguing it is unconstitutional.
Additionally, the party has rejected tax increases unless they are temporary and paired with major reforms to boost the economy, create jobs, and reduce taxes within three years.
However, Ntshavheni believes that the DA’s refusal to support the budget stems from its opposition to the BELA Act and the NHI.
“South Africans should not be fooled when the DA claims they oppose VAT increases. Everyone has agreed on the VAT increase and the necessary mitigation measures. But now, the DA is holding the country ransom because they want to reverse the gains of the Land Expropriation Act,” she said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the bill to replace the 1975 Expropriation Act, following a five-year consultation and parliamentary process.
The new law aligns with the Constitution and outlines how the State can expropriate land for the public interest, with mediation or courts resolving disputes.
Ntshavheni emphasised that the Expropriation Act is unrelated to the budget, and its implementation will fully comply with the constitution.
“The DA has challenged the Land Expropriation Act in court. So, in simple terms, we need to wait for the court’s decision. You can’t run two simultaneous processes. You must allow the process to conclude,” she added.
Earlier this week, Ramaphosa said the Expropriation Act could be used to take abandoned buildings in Johannesburg’s central business district without compensation.
“These abandoned buildings, where owners have fled, should be subject to the law we just passed—expropriation without compensation,” he said, adding that this strategy aligns with the constitution and the Act.
This marked the first time Ramaphosa had clearly stated that the Expropriation Act could apply to properties other than land, without compensation.
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