Informal Traders Express Displeasure In Vat Increase

Informal businesses in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape have expressed displeasure on the in the VAT increase proposed by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

The Minister said a one-percentage point VAT increase has been envisaged over the next two years, meaning that another half a percentage point VAT hike could be on the cards next year after this years half percentage point increase.

Local hawkers say any VAT increase will have dire consequences for their businesses and livelihoods but some residents appreciated that the social relief grant continues.

We are happy that the Finance Minister didnt scrap the social relief grant because most of us are unemployed and dependent on this grant.

I want government to help us because we are struggling a lot. We need a lot of help from government. People say the stuff I sell to them is too high, that means I have to bring down my prices.