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However, the situation was fraught with tension, and the last-minute negotiations highlight a troubling pattern in governance. The DA leader explained that while discussions had been underway for days, the urgency escalated too close to the budget announcement. This lag in addressing fiscal challenges indicated a lack of foresight and preparation from the governing parties.
The impending 60 billion Rand deficit in the budget, exacerbated by adjustments to grants, created a dire situation that had to be navigated swiftly. Despite the urgency, the DA firmly communicated their stance against the VAT increase during discussions, asserting that no responsible party would support a measure that disproportionately impacts citizens already struggling with inflation.