South Africa’s ruling coalition, made up primarily of the African National Congress and the Democratic Alliance, is showing signs of a possible crack in its government of national unity.

For the time being, South Africans can breathe a little easier, as the 2% increase would have a short-term negative impact, particularly because VAT applies to most goods and services, raising their costs and putting additional strain on consumers' wallets, he adds.

Mtambo CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - South Africa's national budget was postponed on Wednesday because the two biggest parties in the ruling coalition disagreed over raising value-added tax, an unprecedented delay that caused the rand and government bonds to fall.

South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented highlights of his upcoming budget to colleagues two weeks ago, but skipped a crucial detail to stop it from leaking — triggering a major fallout in the nation’s coalition government.

The South African government's annual presentation of its budget was abruptly canceled Wednesday and rescheduled for next month over a dispute among parties in the governing coalition.