Johannesburg — Patriotic Alliance Deputy President Kenny Kunene has sharply criticised the Democratic Alliance (DA) for celebrating the government’s reversal of the VAT increase, calling the party’s reaction both “opportunistic” and “hypocritical.”
The controversy arose after the Minister of Finance announced a reversal of the previously proposed Value-Added Tax (VAT) hike — a move that was met with widespread public approval. The DA quickly claimed the reversal as a victory for their efforts, citing their “strong stance” on protecting working-class South Africans.
However, Kunene pushed back, pointing out that the DA had not actively opposed the VAT increase when it was first proposed. “You can’t claim victory over something you never fought against,” he stated in a media briefing. “This is just another example of the DA trying to rewrite history to score political points.”
The Patriotic Alliance, which has been vocal about issues affecting lower-income communities, emphasized the need for genuine advocacy rather than “media-friendly spin.” Kunene urged voters to pay close attention to which parties consistently stand up for the people — not only when it’s politically convenient.
As election season heats up, the VAT debate has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about economic justice, accountability, and the credibility of political leadership in South Africa.
