The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have unleashed a fierce attack on ActionSA after the party backed the controversial 2025/26 budget fiscal framework—including a proposed hike in Value Added Tax (VAT). This move has ignited outrage, with the EFF accusing ActionSA of selling out struggling South Africans by supporting a policy that will hit the poor and working-class the hardest.
EFF spokesperson Sinawo Tambo did not hold back, slamming ActionSA’s endorsement as a “backdoor deal” with the African National Congress (ANC). He claimed the decision was nothing more than a strategic alliance with the ruling party in exchange for political favors. “ActionSA has completely abandoned its so-called mission of fighting for the people. Instead, they have aligned themselves with the very government that continues to push regressive taxes on South Africans,” Tambo declared.
The backlash didn’t stop there. The Democratic Alliance (DA) also weighed in, labeling ActionSA’s move as a “sell-out” decision. DA leader John Steenhuisen pointed out that ActionSA’s support for the VAT increase contradicts its previous stance against tax hikes, raising serious doubts about its commitment to easing the financial burden on struggling households.
The budget proposal has sparked intense debate across the country, with social media erupting in heated discussions. On X (formerly Twitter), one user summed up the public’s reaction in a fiery post: “Julius Malema is ready for war!”
Meanwhile, the ANC is working tirelessly to navigate the fragile coalition dynamics within the Government of National Unity (GNU) in an attempt to secure budget approval. Defending the VAT hike, the ruling party argues that the increase is necessary to generate revenue and maintain critical social programs. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has insisted that the move is a responsible step toward long-term fiscal stability.
As tensions flare, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba has rejected claims that his party is striking deals with the ANC. According to Mashaba, the decision to back the budget was based on economic pragmatism, not political maneuvering. However, with mounting criticism from both the EFF and DA, ActionSA now faces serious pressure to justify its stance in an increasingly volatile political climate.
