Parliament looks to table new budget by 23 July 2025
CAPE TOWN/JOHANNESBURG - Unforeseen delays notwithstanding, Parliament says it's looking at passing the new budget Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to table next month by the 23rd of July.
Following Godongwana's announcement on Wednesday that he will attempt for a third time to table a national budget on the 21st of May, the Speaker convened a meeting this afternoon to revise the parliamentary programme accordingly.
It will involve shifting the traditional four-week mid-year recess to August.
Parliament is proposing that the fiscal framework be put to the crucial vote on 11 June, within the prescribed 16-day deadline for agreeing to the budget blueprint.
ALSO READ: South Africans shaped VAT reversal: 'When people speak, we must listen' - Godongwana
The last vote on 2 April destabilised the Government of National Unity (GNU) when the African National Congress (ANC) had to rely on parties outside of the coalition to get it over the line, prompting a court case over process and a proposed value-added tax increase.
In a revised programme, parliament has scheduled the debate on the division of revenue bill, which apportions money to the provinces and municipalities for 26 June, within 35 days from the budget tabling.
The Appropriation Bill, which allocates money to the departments, will be the final bill to be voted on a month later.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has dismissed claims from the eff that the process is being rushed.
"It's not about steamrolling, but it's about the processes that must be followed in accordance with the legislation."
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) says it will be keeping a close watch to ensure there's adequate in-person, public participation.
Meanwhile, the past two months have divided the GNU, with some claiming Godongwana failed to consult them before his first budget in February.
The African National Congress (ANC) held a media briefing in Johannesburg on Wednesday, reflecting on the two-month-long stalemate on the national budget.
The ANC is hopeful that the budget deadlock has been put to bed, as Godongwana prepares to present another budget in May.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the GNU will discuss the contents of Godongwana's upcoming budget to prevent similar disputes this time around.
Mbalula acknowledges that since the ANC no longer holds a majority, GNU partners will have to be included in decision-making processes.
"The other lesson for us is that we are in uncharted waters. It's correct that the budget would have been presented and passed by now. In this particular instance, it means we must engage political parties because the budget is an important political tool."
Mbalula is confident that the budget will be passed in Parliament without unnecessary disagreements.
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