BREAKING NEWS: Action SA has been accused of selling out the black South African.
South African Parliament Passes Controversial 1% VAT Increase.
Journalist: Jabulani Chauke
In a move sparking widespread public outrage, South Africa’s Parliament has approved a 1% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT), raising the rate to 16%. The decision, finalized on April 2, 2025, was supported by a coalition of the African National Congress (ANC), ActionSA, and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
Critics argue that the VAT hike will further burden ordinary South Africans already struggling with soaring living costs, including rising food, fuel, and utility prices. Opposition parties, particularly the Democratic Alliance (DA), have condemned the decision, calling it a direct attack on the working class.
Social media reactions on platforms like X have been swift and harsh, with many users accusing the ANC and its allies of betraying the people to serve political interests. Some claim the additional revenue will be used to fund bloated public sector wages, though no official confirmation has been given.
Adding to the controversy, Parliament included a non-binding recommendation to explore alternative revenue measures within 30 days. However, skeptics dismiss this as a hollow gesture, given that the VAT increase was passed alongside the 2025 national budget, presented by the Minister of Finance.
The move has also sparked allegations that ActionSA, a party that has positioned itself as an alternative to the ANC, has "sold out" Black South Africans by backing a policy that disproportionately affects lower-income households.
As public frustration mounts, analysts warn that this decision could have significant political repercussions ahead of the next election.


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