DA, EFF Head to Court to Stop VAT Increase and Challenge Legality of 2025 Budget Process
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have joined forces in a bid to stop the proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) and challenge the legality of the 2025 budget process. The two opposition parties have filed a joint application in the Constitutional Court, arguing that the VAT increase and the budget process are unconstitutional and should be declared null and void.
The move comes after the government announced its plans to increase VAT from 15% to 17% in the 2025 budget, citing the need to raise revenue and reduce the budget deficit. However, the DA and EFF have strongly opposed this decision, stating that it will have a devastating impact on the poor and working-class citizens of South Africa.
In their court application, the two parties argue that the VAT increase is regressive and will disproportionately affect the poor, who already bear the brunt of high levels of poverty and inequality in the country. They also argue that the increase is not in line with the principles of progressive taxation, which requires those who can afford to pay more to contribute a larger share of their income.
Furthermore, the DA and EFF are challenging the legality of the 2025 budget process, stating that it was not conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner. They claim that the budget was drafted without proper consultation with all stakeholders, including civil society organizations and opposition parties, and therefore does not reflect the needs and priorities of all South Africans.
The joint application also highlights the lack of accountability and transparency in the budget process, with the two parties accusing the government of failing to provide a detailed breakdown of how the increased revenue from the VAT hike will be spent. They argue that this lack of transparency is a violation of the Constitution, which requires the government to be accountable to the people and to use public funds in a responsible and equitable manner.
The DA and EFF are calling on the Constitutional Court to declare the VAT increase and the 2025 budget process unconstitutional and to order the government to conduct a new budget process that is inclusive, transparent, and in line with the principles of progressive taxation.
The move by the two opposition parties has been met with widespread support from civil society organizations and ordinary citizens, who have also expressed their concerns about the impact of the VAT increase on the poor. Many have taken to social media to voice their support for the court application, with the hashtag #StopVATIncrease trending on Twitter.
In a joint statement, the DA and EFF leaders, Mmusi Maimane and Julius Malema, emphasized the importance of holding the government accountable and ensuring that the needs of all South Africans are taken into consideration in the budget process. They also called on all South Africans to stand together in the fight against the VAT increase and the government’s lack of transparency and accountability.
The court application by the DA and EFF is a clear demonstration of the power of democracy and the importance of a strong opposition in holding the government accountable. It also serves as a reminder that the government is not above the law and must act in the best interests of all South Africans.
As we await the decision of the Constitutional Court, it is important for all South Africans to continue to voice their concerns and demand transparency and accountability from the government. Together, we can ensure that our voices are heard and that our rights are protected.
In conclusion, the DA and EFF have taken a bold and necessary step in challenging the VAT increase and the legality of the 2025 budget process. Their actions serve as a reminder that the power lies with the people and that we must continue to hold our leaders accountable for their actions. Let us stand together in the fight for a fair and just South Africa.
