Budget passed, but already facing resistance

By Johnathan Paoli

Despite the amended 2025/26 National Budget being passed by a narrow margin, parties have already threatened legal action against its adoption, citing procedural irregularities and bad faith on the part of the African National Congress.

The Democratic Alliance will file papers in Western Cape High Court on Thursday to challenge the National Assembly’s passing of the budget on Wednesday, with a narrow win of 194 for and 182 against, with no abstaining votes.

“It is unthinkable that ActionSA has handed this VAT hike to the ANC on a platter, and it is both unlawful and unconstitutional how Parliament processed the Budget,” party leader John Steenhuisen said.

The Economic Freedom Fighters said it was 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