Saturday, 26 April 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) today filed supplementary court papers in the Western Cape High Court to intervene in the ongoing legal challenge concerning the fiscal framework and revenue proposals adopted by Parliament. This intervention is grounded in the EFF’s firm commitment to uphold constitutional principles, protect Parliament from unlawful political manipulation that threatens to compromise its legislated mandate, and to protect South Africans from unjust taxation through an illconceived VAT increase.

The EFF is deeply concerned by the conduct of the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Secretary to Parliament, and the Secretary to the National Assembly, who appear to be entangling the institution of Parliament into narrow partisan politics. Their actions seem designed to accommodate political agreements made outside of Parliament in order to legitimise unconstitutional processes, thereby muddying the legislated and rules-based procedures of Parliament. Such conduct undermines the independence and credibility of Parliament, which must act in accordance with the law, not the political convenience of any party or executive authority.

The EFF has consistently maintained, both inside and outside Parliament, that as matters stand, South Africa has no lawful budget. The fiscal framework and revenue proposals were adopted through processes that violate the Constitution and the Money Bills Amendment Procedure and Related Matters Act. The only legitimate and practical way forward is a full reset of the 2025 budget process to re-establish constitutional compliance and fiscal legitimacy.

We call upon Parliament to avoid becoming embroiled in unnecessary political gamesmanship and to prioritise its constitutional obligations. Parliament must remember that in terms of Section 44(1)(a)(ii) of the Constitution, the legislative authority to pass money bills resides with the National Assembly, and not with any member of the Cabinet. Furthermore, in terms of Section 55, the National Assembly must maintain oversight over the national executive and the implementation of legislation, and the National Assembly will not be able to achieve this if its leadership is embroiled in aiding the circumvention of the law.

The EFF calls for decisive leadership at this critical juncture. South Africa requires a competent, consultative, and transparent Parliament that acts with integrity Parliament must reclaim its constitutional role, uphold lawful processes, and ensure that it serves the people of South Africa rather than political expediency. The decision to reverse the misguided, illegal and ill-conceived VAT increase must be for the benefit of all South Africans, in particular the poor and working class.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572