POLL | Can you afford a 2 percentage-point VAT increase on your food basket, as proposed by Godongwana?

20 February 2025 - 13:15 By TimesLIVE
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
South African employees on a minimum wage earn R4,353 net monthly, compared to R3,979 in January 2023.
South African employees on a minimum wage earn R4,353 net monthly, compared to R3,979 in January 2023.
Image: 123RF/stokkete

For the first time since 1994, South Africa’s budget speech has been delayed. The highly anticipated address, initially set for Wednesday, will now take place on March 12.

The postponement stems from disagreements about a proposed two percentage-point hike in VAT from 15% to 17%.

This change is expected to affect the cost of living, particularly food prices, adding pressure to already strained household budgets.

Can you afford 17% VAT on your food basket?

Let us know how you feel about this proposed adjustment, which would affect many South Africans struggling with rising costs. 

TimesLIVE


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.