Pretoria turned red with celebration as thousands of EFF supporters flooded the Union Buildings on Monday for a jubilant “VAT Victory March”—a powerful show of force marking the suspension of a controversial VAT hike that threatened to deepen financial pressure on struggling South Africans.
Led by EFF Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema, the march headed toward the National Treasury, hailed as a “people’s victory” after the Western Cape High Court blocked the proposed 0.5% VAT increase, which would have raised the rate from 15% to 15.5%.
⚖️ A Rare Political Alliance
The court’s decision followed an unexpected joint legal challenge by the EFF and the Democratic Alliance (DA)—two fierce rivals on most political fronts. But in this case, they stood united against what they called a regressive tax move that would disproportionately hurt the poor.
“Today is proof that when the people stand together, even courts listen,” Malema told the cheering crowd.
“No one will balance the budget on the backs of the poor.”
💸 The Case Against the VAT Hike
The proposed VAT increase had sparked national backlash. Critics argued that raising taxes on basic goods and services during a cost-of-living crisis would worsen inequality and place undue strain on working-class households.
The court sided with this view, halting the implementation and requiring the Treasury to conduct broader public consultations and socioeconomic impact assessments before proceeding.
🥁 A Symbolic Victory—and a Warning
Monday’s demonstration wasn’t just about celebration—it also served as a warning to government leaders that the public is watching and willing to mobilize.
Supporters waved placards reading “Tax the Rich, Not the Poor” and “Hands Off Our Bread!” as Malema vowed that the EFF would continue to challenge policies that punish the underprivileged.
