The presentation of South Africa’s 2025 Budget has been postponed to 12 March as the country’s cabinet cannot reach an agreement.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana was set to table the Budget on Wednesday, 19 February 2025.

However, speaker Thoka Didiza announced that the Government of National Unity (GNU) could not agree on the budget, and it has, therefore, been postponed.

The Sunday Times reported earlier this week that the National Treasury had proposed tax hikes to Cabinet, which was met with opposition from members of the GNU.

The DA publicly announced that it would oppose any tax hikes that Godongwana was expected to have announced and would not vote for a Budget in Parliament that contains increases.

Earlier on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa called an emergency cabinet meeting to try to reach a consensus among GNU members.

However, this meeting is reportedly in a deadlock.

News24 reported that the ANC’s legislative majority allowed it to pass the Finance Minister’s Budget without problems for 30 years.

However, the GNU means the ANC only has 40% of the seats in Parliament, and they need another 40 seats or votes to pass Parliament. 

“The only parties who could give them this is the DA, MK or EFF,” News24 said.

The publication reported that DA leader John Steenhuisen expressed concern about some of the Budget’s details.

Therefore, the GNU agreed to come back with a budget that is “better for growth and employment”.

“We couldn’t in good conscience support a 2% VAT increase,” Steenhuisen said.

Krutham managing director Peter Attard Montalto told SABC that no political party actually wants a VAT hike, but the country may end up getting one regardless.

Since the announcement that the Budget has been delayed, members of Parliament have been given the chance to reflect on the postponement.

Opposition parties are largely opposed to the postponement, saying the Budget should be above politics.

However, some members have supported the delay, saying the Budget is too important to rush through.