National Assembly passes Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals

The National Assembly has passed the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals with 268 votes for and 88 against.

It has taken three attempts by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to table the budget after unhappiness about his proposed VAT increase in the previous two budget proposals.

There were two abstentions from Build One South Africa (BOSA).

The Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals contains the general fuel levy increase which was implemented early this month.

House Chairperson Cedric Frolick declared the outcomes of the votes.

“Order honorable members … honorable members the outcome of the division is as follows. There are two abstentions. 88 voted against and 268 voted in favour. The question is accordingly agreed to. Yes, I indicated two abstentions thank you.”

“Honorable members, I now request the honorable members to stand and to wait for the presiding officers to leave the chamber. That concludes the business of the day.”

Meanwhile, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) are among the parties who rejected the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposal.

EFF leader Julius Malema says they oppose the fuel levy increase, something they are in the process of challenging in court.

“We can’t reject VAT and come through backdoor to increase levy. Price of bread will go high, transport, taxis will increase fares. It is the poor who are going to be affected by budget. This is our main issue with the Minister and budget in relation to this framework,” says Malema.