#PODCAST REACTION: National Treasury consider increasing VAT to fund the R350 Social Relief of Distress grant #sabcnews

By Newsbreak Producer Tashlan Naidoo - The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group has warned that an increase in VAT will detrimentally impact the poorest of the country. This comes amid speculation that National Treasury is considering increasing VAT to fund the R350 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant. According to the group, a basic basket of 44 items which now costs R5,155, could increase by 6% due to the proposed increase. Programme Coordinator, Mervyn Abrahams says this could have a disproportionate impact on a large sector of society that may lead to health complications and socio-economic issues...