SACP backs Kieswetter in suggestion that capacitating SARS better could resolve SA revenue shortfall
The SACP said government must not think empowering SARS is a benevolent gesture, insisting that it’s the fundamental duty of the state.
SARS commissioner Edward Kieswetter before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance. Picture: Phando Jikelo/Parliament
JOHANNESBURG - The South African Communist Party (SACP) backs South African Revenue Services (SARS) commissioner Edward Kieswetter’s suggestion that the answer to South Africa’s revenue shortfall could be resolved through capacitating SARS better.
This followed the SACP’s political bureau meeting that took place over the weekend.
The SACP said the government must not think empowering SARS is a benevolent gesture, insisting that it’s the fundamental duty of the state.
Kieswetter has suggested that instead of raising taxes, National Treasury should invest in SARS so it can bring in an estimated R800 billion that it’s been unable to collect.
The communist party’s Dr Alex Mashilo, in reaffirming its rejection of a VAT hike, insisted that more sustainable alternatives can be found.
“We call on the alternatives to include stringent regulation of the capital account, a decisive clampdown on illicit financial flows, and aggressive confrontation of base erosion and profit-shifting tactics by multinational corporations, as well as by companies that were originally South African-based companies that are now based or headquartered offshore while exploiting the country’s resources.”