THE South African Liquor Brand Owners Association (SALBA) has suggested to the Minister of Finance, Mr. Enoch Godongwana, to take care of the fraudsters by not increasing the tax on alcohol.
The organization said, instead, the focus is on fighting the problem of counterfeit alcohol, which reduces the amount of money coming into the economy.
The statement of this organization, said that it accepts the bid of the tax collection unit in the country, SARS for R7.5 billion, to fight the problem of fake alcohol.
“A study conducted by Euromonitor, estimates that R16.5 billion was lost in the economy due to fake alcohol in 2024. The effect of increasing the tax on alcohol will cause an increase in fake alcohol,” said the organization as Godongwana presented the country’s budget in Parliament.
It said that the increase in alcohol and illegal tobacco endangers the health of the people of this country.
“Every year, a lot of money is lost that goes to the economy because of these fake things. We are willing to cooperate with the government to fight against these fake things.”
Different political parties expressed their expectations from Godongwana’s speech. The IFP said that it expects a budget that will rescue the poor and restore hope to the people.
“We are looking for money to be invested in education, health, grants as well as improving infrastructure. People are burdened, food is expensive and fares are increasing. The municipal plans to collect debts have not been strengthened, water, electricity and other needs have been delivered to the people.”
It said that efforts should be made to combat violence against women and children.
The DA’s finance spokesperson, Dr Mark Burke, complained that the people of this country are paying too much tax.
“We do not expect taxes to be increased including VAT. We need to know which tax will be reduced,” he said.
He said they were worried about the debt of public companies and listed the debt of Transnet, which is R145.8 billion.
He stated that they are waiting to hear about the distance traveled by the announcements made last year. Among other things, he told the story of the ghost workers and how many were charged, and their wages were cut.
Build One South Africa (BOSA), said they are expecting a budget that will create job opportunities, reduce poverty faced by people, and support education, health and security.
“People are burdened by the increase in food, petrol, tax and other things. We want R100 billion to be invested to create job opportunities and also reduce the number of Ministers in the Cabinet.”
He also pointed out that there must be an end to government departments that fail to deliver needs to the people.
“We want an end to the allowance for those who are not comfortable. The police should be increased to fight the crime problem. Teachers and doctors should not be hired.”