In S.A, the ANC Veterans’ League is calling for a constructive, informed, and sober debate on the budget. ANC Veterans’ League president, Snuki Zikalala, says the government should avoid drastic expenditure slashing and must also be mindful of the sentiment of citizens, who struggle with high unemployment and the ongoing high cost of living. Meanwhile, the DA says it refuses to be held hostage or intimidated by the ANC’s blatant threat to approach the EFF to pass the value-added tax-based budget. The DA’s, Mark Burke, says they are against any VAT hikes: