The finance minister’s confirmation that there will be no VAT increase marks a critical victory — not for political parties or backroom negotiators but for SA citizens (“Scrapped VAT hike will leave a R75bn expenditure hole, warns Treasury”, April 24).
While some have tried to frame themselves as saviours through legal manoeuvres or parliamentary tactics, and others sought to use the budget crisis as leverage for power-sharing deals, it was the loud, unified voice of the people that changed the course.
We believe this outcome is a testament to what public resistance and civic activism can achieve. The people rejected further economic strain, demanded fairness, and stood firm against policies that hurt the poor and working class.
This decision is not a favour from the state — it is the result of pressure from South Africans who are tired of being an afterthought in national budgeting.
Tsepo Mhlongo
Deputy president, Build A Better SA Movement
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