RISE Mzansi's Zibi urges GNU partners to avoid exploiting VAT hike for political gain

JOHANNESBURG - As the budget deadlock continues, RISE Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi has urged Government of National Unity (GNU) partners to avoid exploiting the value-added tax (VAT) increase for political gain.

In an interview with Eyewitness News, Zibi said that while efforts were still underway to find alternatives to the 0.5 percentage point VAT hike, tough revenue decisions must be made during times of crisis.

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Zibi said it was appalling that some political parties were using the contentious VAT increase to make populist promises to the public.

"That is the whole problem of the budget. Nobody wants to be unpopular, and we cannot get out of this hole if we don’t make unpopular decisions.

"Political parties said they won’t speak about what we need to solve. They’re only concerned about VAT. What we are saying as RISE Mzansi, we’ve got to look at both sides."