Member of the Provincial Legislature and ANC spokesperson in the Free State Thabo Meeko criticised the DA for opposing progressive budgets, stating their stance is not based on fiscal responsibility but rather a deliberate attempt to undermine South Africa’s transformation agenda.

Meeko’s comments follow the DA’s repeated criticism of the national budget, which the ANC claims reflects the party’s ongoing anti-transformation agenda. According to Meeko, the DA’s opposition is not about economic prudence. 

Still, it is rooted in a desire to protect what he calls “white monopoly capital” and reverse the democratic progress achieved in South Africa over the past three decades. He said the DA’s actions are part of a broader strategy to preserve privilege and oppose policies that promote inclusive economic growth.

“The DA seeks to use the budget process as leverage to renegotiate its role within the GNU. Just because they claim to have the best interests of the people at heart does not change the fact they are determined to advance an agenda that prioritises privilege over progress.”

Meeko said the DA’s demands go beyond economic policies. They are also calling for the scrapping of labor laws and the reversal of transformative policies aimed at reshaping South Africa’s economy.

‘Claiming it had been passed improperly’

During the legislature seating at the fourth Raadsaal in Bloemfontein on Friday (4/4), Meeko made it clear the party would not be swayed by the DA’s opposition.

“We will not be deterred by those who wish to see South Africa return to the good old days of apartheid economic privilege. The ANC is committed to the aspirations of the people and will continue working toward an inclusive and economically transformed South Africa.”

The tensions between the ANC and the DA reached a new high just days after the national budget for the 2025/26 financial year was passed in Parliament. The DA filed papers in the Western Cape High Court to challenge the budget, claiming it had been passed improperly.

According to media reports, the ANC plans to hold a special NEC meeting to discuss the DA’s role in the GNU and mandate President Cyril Ramaphosa, the party’s deployed in the unity government, to act on DA Ministers who did not support the 2025 budget.

While ActionSA, which has voted with the ANC to pass the budget, has so far remained passive on the issue of joining the GNU.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh