The Democratic Alliance (DA) says its pressure has successfully halted the ANC's proposed 2% VAT hike. The party says the postponement of the Budget Speech is a direct result of the government's failure to deliver pro-growth and pro-jobs reforms. The Budget Speech was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed due to disagreements among Government of National Unity partners over the expected 2% VAT increase. To delve deeper into the matter, Elvis Presslin spoke to DA National Spokesperson, Karabo Khakhau

Labour federation COSATU has welcomed the postponement of the budget speech, citing its prior warnings to the government against a VAT increase. The budget speech was postponed due to disagreements within the Government of National Unity partners over the ANC's proposed 2% VAT increase. To discuss this development further, Elvis Presslin spoke to COSATU National Spokesperson, Zanele Sabela

The ANC has welcomed the decision to postpone the budget speech, citing national stability concerns. This unprecedented move marks the first time in 30 years that the Finance Minister has had to put the budget on hold due to disagreements over key adjustments, including a proposed 2% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). For more Elvis Presslin spoke to ANC Chief Whip, Mdumiseni Ntuli

The ACDP has expressed concerns about South Africa's budget deficit. The party expects it to reach 5% of GDP in the 2024/25 financial year, resulting in a gross loan debt of 75.5% of GDP by 2025/26. This fiscal slippage could lead to escalating debt service costs, crowding out essential budget items. To discuss this further, Elvis Presslin spoke to ACDP MP, Parliamentary Whip and Member of Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance, Steve Swart

The South African Federation of Trade Unions, SAFTU, will today protest outside Parliament, as Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana prepares to unveil the country's first budget under the Government of National Unity. SAFTU has already rejected the budget, labeling it 'anti-poor' and disputing claims of a bloated public sector wage bill. For insight into the union's stance, Elvis Presslin spoke to SAFTU spokesperson, Newton Masuku

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to unveil the country's highly anticipated 2025 budget today, amidst mounting pressure to address South Africa's economic woes. With a staggering debt burden of R6-trillion, Minister Godongwana faces the unenviable task of juggling competing demands for increased funding in critical areas like healthcare, education, and social grants, against the need to implement tax hikes on VAT, income, and fuel to shore up the country's finances. To provide expert insights and analysis, Elvis Presslin spoke to independent economic analyst, Professor Bonke Dumisa

The South African Police Union, SAPU has welcomed the introduction of police body-worn cameras. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says the rollout of this initiative will commence in April this year. SAPU Spokesperson, Lesiba Thobakhale told our Senior Producer, Ronald Phiri that the plight project is crucial in providing visual evidence in cases where police officers are killed or are accused of misconduct

The ANC National Working Committee has made significant changes to its provincial structures in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, removing former provincial secretaries Bheki Mtolo and TK Nciza. Veteran politicians Jeff Radebe and Amos Masondo will take on key roles, while former Deputy Chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu makes a comeback in KZN. To analyze these developments Elvis Presslin spoke to Political Analyst, Musa Mdunge

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng claims that the National Treasury's decision to block R291 million in funding for 1,180 critical hospital positions will exacerbate the province's healthcare crisis. This move is expected to worsen staff shortages, particularly in major hospitals like Chris Hani Baragwanath, Kalafong, and Tembisa, which already lack key specialists, department heads, and nurses. Elvis Presslin spoke to Jack Bloom, a member of the provincial legislature and DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC, to discuss this issue

Three victims have come forward to report cases related to the alleged assault and sexual abuse at Zanzou nightclub in Pretoria.This follows viral graphic videos on social media of the 2023 incident which appears to show security personnel using excessive force against patrons. Zanzou management has denied claims that the incidents were linked to unpaid bills, instead attributing them to the actions of dismissed security personnel who were responding to allegations of phone theft. For reaction Elvis Presslin spoke to Zamantungwa Mbeki, Gauteng Provincial Manager of the South African Human Rights Commission and Gauteng provincial Police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni