The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have launched an urgent court bid to halt the impending fuel levy increase, arguing that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana bypassed parliamentary approval, violating constitutional rules on taxation.
The hike, set to take effect on June 4, will raise petrol prices by 16 cents per litre and diesel by 15 cents per litre. In its urgent application filed in the Western Cape High Court, the EFF claims the minister acted beyond his powers by imposing the levy without a proper Money Bill, which requires parliamentary scrutiny.
EFF: “This Undermines Democracy”
The party argues that the move erodes parliamentary oversight and could render the entire budget process invalid. In addition to the court challenge, the EFF has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Finance, warning that proceeding with the budget in its current form risks judicial rejection.
Government Defends Levy, Calls EFF’s Case “Political Theater”
Deputy President Paul Mashatile dismissed the EFF’s concerns, stating that the budget underwent extensive consultations before its announcement.
“I’m not so worried about the EFF’s case because the Minister of Finance followed a very involved process—a lot of consultations,” Mashatile said, suggesting the legal challenge is more about political grandstanding than substantive legal grounds.
The government insists the levy hike is a necessary fiscal measure to stabilize public finances amid economic pressures.
Court to Rule Soon – What’s at Stake?
The High Court is expected to hear the EFF’s application in the coming days. If successful, the challenge could disrupt the government’s budget plans and set a precedent for how tax increases are implemented in the future.
For now, motorists brace for higher fuel prices—unless the court intervenes. The outcome will test the balance between executive authority and parliamentary oversight in South Africa’s fiscal policy.