The African National Congress Veterans League has called for a constructive, informed and sober debate as the government faces the budget crisis.
Last month, the national budget address was postponed when political parties could not reach a consensus on the 2% VAT increase.
The comments by the veteran’s league follow its quarterly National Executive Committee meeting, where it reflected on domestic and international issues and further assessed the state of the organisation.
ANC Veterans League President, Snuki Zikalala, says the postponement of the national budget has been a long time coming.
He says since former President Jacob Zuma increased public spending and abused it, it has become more difficult for the country to reach a consensus on a macroeconomic approach and the size of South Africa’s debt burden.
Justifying the VAT increase, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has argued that it was necessary in order to decrease the country’s debt burden and meet South Africa’s social obligations.
The veteran’s league has since called for a constructive and informed debate on the matter.
