Anc Hellbent On Making People Poorer! - Da Slams 'unthinkable' Vat Hike

Parliament on Wednesday adopted a budget framework after a stormy session with the main coalition partner of the ruling African National Congress rejecting a text it says does not help growth and employment.

The text passed by 194 votes to 182 with no abstentions with lawmakers voting along party lines.

The ANC backed the bill and won support from a number of small parties which ensured its adoption without the support of the Democratic Alliance, the country's second-largest party and main government coalition partner.

The DA opposed a budget which notably provides for a one percent VAT increase staggered over two years, taking the rate to 16 percent by 2026-27.

The bill was the first major test for the coalition which the ANC was forced to enter after it lost its absolute majority in parliament at the last elections for the first time.