GNU has collapsed in less than a year

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EFF leader Julius Malema has weighed in as the uproar over the implementation of a VAT increase in South Africa continues to be the focus of the coalition government, Government of National Unity (GNU).

Clearly, many of the political parties which form the GNU have condemned increasing VAT in a bid to finance the Budget Speech 2025 and Malema is adamant that GNU has effectively collapsed.

Malema: We oppose illegal adoption of budget

Commenting following the adoption of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals, Malema told Newzroom Afrika that the EFF isn’t surprised that fierce opposition against the budget has failed to yeild any meaningful collaborations.

Despite parties like the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus standing by the EFF’s rejection of the budget, the Bill had been adopted by the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.

“If something is in the interest of our people, it doesn’t matter who is raising that particular matter, we are opposed to the budget because it was engaged in an illegal process. The committee did not do its proper job.” Malema commented.

EFF leader knew GNU ‘wouldn’t last a year’

In addition to rejecting the adoption of the budget, Malema highlighted that he felt it was inevitable that the GNU would collapse within its first year of existence.

“Today I am happy that we were able to prove to South Africa that there is nothing called the GNU, it collapsed in front of all of us. We said that this thing would not last more than a year; it is now nine months, and it has already collapsed.” Malema said.

As for the budget, the EFF leader is adamant that alternative options to finance the country should be explored in a bid to avoid placing the burden on citizens.

Malema highlighted reducing Cabinet members, irrespective of their political party, would be just one of the solutions the EFF is advocating for.

In a statement on the matter issued on Wednesday, the EFF revealed that it would be seeking out a way to challenge the matter legally.

“The EFF is currently consulting with its legal team on the appropriate legal recourse to challenge the adoption of the fiscal framework and revenue proposals. Parliament cannot and must not become a rubber stamp for illegality. We will use every democratic and legal means to ensure accountability, constitutional compliance, and a people-centred fiscal policy.” EFF statement