By Johnathan Paoli
The Economic Freedom Fighters is challenging the adoption of the 2025 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals report, citing procedural irregularities and potential violations of parliamentary law.
In a formal objection submitted to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Finance Committee chair Joseph Maswanganyi, EFF chief whip Nonthando Nolutshungu has demanded the withdrawal of the report, threatening legal action if their concerns are not addressed.
“Should this not occur, the EFF reserves its full legal rights and will consider urgent legal steps, including the possibility of an interdict to prevent the tabling and processing of a report adopted in violation of the law,” Nolutshungu said.
The report, adopted by the Joint Committees on Finance during a sitting on Tuesday, is accused of failing to adhere to Section 8(4) of the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act, 2009.
Nolutshungu argues that the Committee never formally resolved whether to accept or amend the fiscal framework before adopting the report, rendering the process legally flawed.
She maintains that the adoption of the report lacks the legally mandated “clear statement” indicating acceptance or amendment of the fiscal framework, contending that this step is a critical prerequisite under the Act, and without it, the report cannot be considered legitimate.
“This provision creates a legal and procedural distinction between the clear statement of the committee’s position on the fiscal framework and the adoption of the report itself.
“Without a prior and explicit resolution by the Committee, any subsequent insertion of such a statement constitutes retrospective fabrication, undermining the rule of law and violating Parliament’s constitutional role in fiscal oversight,” Nolutshungu said.
The party further asserts that the report, as circulated, includes a statement of acceptance that was not part of the initial deliberations or draft presented to the committee.
It claimed this language was inserted after the fact, without proper debate or approval by members of the committee, raising serious concerns about procedural integrity.
In response to these concerns, the EFF has formally requested the immediate withdrawal of the report from the Announcements, Tablings, and Committee Reports; and the removal of the report from the National Assembly’s Order Paper for Wednesday.
Additionally, the party called for the reconvening of the Standing Committee on Finance to formally resolve whether to accept or amend the fiscal framework before any report is adopted, in compliance with Section 8(4) of the Act.
The EFF has given Parliament until Wednesday morning to act on these demands.
The speaker and the chair have yet to issue a formal response to the EFF’s objections.
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