By Palesa Matlala
With Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana set to deliver his budget speech on Wednesday, South Africans are bracing for tough decisions. The minister hinted that VAT may rise to 17% unless the R370 SRD grant is cut, which got residents talking.
“VAT is already too high — poor people can’t survive,” said one resident. Another added, “Families depend on this grant. Taking it away would be unfair.”
But not everyone agrees. Some believe that scrapping the grant could push the government to create jobs. “A tax increase only helps those who work. Cutting grants might motivate people to start working,” one said.
Others called for the rich to be taxed more and for government tenders to be better managed: “Create jobs within government instead of cutting corners.”
Whether it’s more tax or fewer grants, one thing is clear — South Africans want real solutions, not more hardship.
Pictured above: Enoch Godongwana.
Image source: @PresidencyZA
