During its discussions with the Democratic Alliance (DA), the African National Congress (ANC) said it remained rooted in its values and resolutions, and will not compromise on the fundamental goals of social and economic justice, equity, and transformation, while the DA described the meeting as "forthright and constructive".

The two parties held a follow-up meeting on Friday, following Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s announcement on the reversal of the value-added tax (VAT) increase.

The ANC’s Government of National Unity (GNU) partner, the DA, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), took Godongwana to court over the proposed 0.5% VAT hike, which would have come into effect on May 1, with Godongwana subsequently presenting both parties with out-of-court settlements.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri said South Africa must come first, highlighting that political party leaders owe it to South Africans to rise above political interests and work together for shared progress.

Bhengu-Motsiri said the meeting with the DA formed part of the ANC’s continued commitment to dialogue, nation-building, and consultation to address the urgent budgetary processes in Parliament.

On Thursday, the ANC held a joint media briefing with nine other parties, where they pointed out that the VAT hike victory was the product of sustained, lawful, and transparent engagement, and not because of the court case brought by the DA against Godongwana.

While addressing the media on Thursday morning, DA Federal Council chairperson Helen Zille said her party’s court intervention had been the “pivotal intervening factor” in the victory against the VAT hike.

Meanwhile, Zille said its discussions with the ANC focussed on the way forward on the Budget, as well as a strategy for economic growth.

She noted that similar meetings will continue on a regular basis as parties seek to address the most pressing challenges facing South Africa in the GNU.

The ANC delegation was led by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and the DA delegation was led by DA leader John Steenhuisen.