By Johnathan Paoli
The African National Congress has welcomed the 2025 Budget, describing it as a decisive step forward in addressing the country’s deep economic inequalities despite resistance within the Government of National Unity (GNU).
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula emphasised that the proposal prioritised job creation, economic growth and service delivery, reaffirming the party’s long-standing commitment to transformative governance.
“Our support for this budget as a balancing act among many other options that has been considered as the ANC is informed by this plethora of interventions which in our view cushion the poor in terms of the cost of living in South Africa,” he said on Thursday.
Mbalula reiterated the ANC’s unwavering resolve to address the historical injustices faced by black South Africans, particularly through policies that fostered inclusive economic growth.
He said the budget was not just a financial document.
“This budget is not just about figures and allocations; it is about the lived experiences of our people, addressing historical injustices and ensuring that economic transformation remains at the centre of governance,” Mbalula said.
He highlighted the government’s commitment to repairing critical infrastructure with a R100 billion investment aimed at expanding roads, railways and ports, which would stimulate industrial growth while creating thousands of new jobs.
It also substantial resources to public healthcare, education and social protection.
The National School Nutrition Programme would be expanded to reach an additional 1.5 million learners, ensuring that no child was hungry at school, while healthcare investments included the construction of new hospitals, the provision of essential medicines and the hiring of over 9000 healthcare in preparation of introducing the National Health Insurance system.
He said a notable measure to protect the poor from economic hardship was the expansion of the zero-rated VAT basket, alongside an increase in social grants.
Mbalula said the ANC’s decision to support a VAT hike was a necessary step to sustain government revenue, with safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable through various relief measures.
He criticised the Democratic Alliance for opposing the budget.
Mbalula accused the DA of undermining efforts to address economic transformation, suggesting that its resistance stemmed from a desire to protect elite interests rather than promote the public good.
“Their opposition is not based on concerns for fiscal responsibility but is instead a desperate attempt to undermine transformation, protect white monopoly capital and roll back the democratic gains made over the past three decades,” he said.
Mbalula accused the DA of pushing for policies that would undo economic empowerment measures, such as black economic empowerment and labour protections, which have been vital to redressing the injustices of apartheid.
Mbalula expressed the party’s readiness to collaborate with all political parties, both within and outside the GNU, emphasising that the ANC was always open to dialogue. But he made it clear that this openness did not equate to submission.
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