South Africa recently faced turbulence over the proposed 0.5% VAT increase, a move aimed at addressing fiscal challenges. The ANC initially supported the hike but later welcomed its scrapping, admitting the budget vote could have been handled better. Political parties claimed credit for the reversal, with ANC’s Fikile Mbalula emphasizing the need to protect public spending. Political Scientist  Thabiso Maphosa weighs in on the ongoing tension between fiscal responsibility and public concerns.