We're being taxed to death

Joe Cimino: I refer to the article headlined "Tolls are disguised tax" (The Times, January 11).

Let's face it South Africa: We are being taxed to death.

Not only is a toll road a tax, but there is also talk about various programmes that need funding which is to be derived from hiking VAT levels.

VAT will go up, but not for these reasons. Our tax base is declining significantly. The current model of the few million supporting the unemployed millions is not sustainable, and this is well known.

Let's review what has happened in the recent past: rates went up, and electricity went up again. Remember the 25% a year for three years? The last few tax increases on petrol?

We are being taxed to death, and no one cares. All we hear is the economy is getting better. No, it is not. Retrenchments continue and businesses are closing.

When will someone tell the truth? The government needs us to spend to stimulate the economy.

Food, insurance, medical aid, petrol and school costs are going up faster than the alleged inflation rate plus more taxes. How is the economy better?