South Africa’s National Budget Clears Key Hurdle with Cross-Party Support

South Africa’s Parliament has passed the 2025 and 2026 Appropriation Bill with support from a broad coalition of parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), ActionSA, and Build One South Africa (BOSA). The bill received 262 votes in favor, well above the 201 needed for a simple majority, despite opposition from the Economic Freedom Fighters, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), and African Transformation Movement (ATM). The vote followed spirited debate and last-minute political maneuvering, including the DA’s earlier threat to block the bill unless President Ramaphosa removed a controversial minister. With that demand met, the DA backed the budget. A humorous moment emerged when Al Jama-ah’s leader blamed a colleague’s absence on being “stuck in the toilet,” drawing rebuke and prompting calls for an ethical review. The bill now moves forward, securing funding for all departments.

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