The meeting, set to begin before midday, comes at a tense moment for the coalition, with relations between the two major parties souring over the ANC’s proposal to raise Value-Added Tax (VAT).

Last month, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana unveiled the 2025 budget, which included plans for a VAT increase, a move the DA firmly rejected. The party voted against the budget and has since taken legal action in a bid to stop the tax hike from going ahead.

The DA argues the proposed increase would hit ordinary South Africans hardest and has accused the ANC of ignoring the economic realities facing low- and middle-income households.

As the parties head into discussions, there is growing concern over whether the unity government, formed with the aim of fostering co-operation and stability, can withstand such significant policy disagreements.  

--ChannelAfrica--