DA launches petition against VAT increase
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has launched a national petition opposing an increase in VAT.
Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba announce an increase in VAT from 14% to 15% during his budget speech in the National Assembly last week.
Speaking in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, DA leader Mmusi Maimane said instead of reducing the size of the Cabinet, the African National Congress is decided to place the economic burden on the poor.
"There are young people here, these young people don't have a job. What did the ANC do?
"They (the ANC) are standing up in front of us, saying we must forget about the last nine years and that they are now sober. If you want to be sober there are things that you must do. I want to speak to all of these South Africans and tell you what we are going to do. Today we launch a new petition. We reject VAT increase.
Maimane says the party will march to Treasury to show their displeasure and called on the ANC's alliance partners to join the protest.
"Now, what is worse is they are legitimising stealing from you - as poor people, as the people of this country - through this VAT hike. Sign the petition. I will send instructions on the march, especially here in Tshwane, to go to Treasury. We will fight against that issue and make sure we reject this VAT hike.
"We reject VAT and this is how we are going to do it. You are not powerless as the people. Just because Gigaba says there's going to be a one percent hike, it has to come to Parliament."