MK Party says SARS must be capacitated to go after wealthy people & corporations
The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party said capacitating the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to be able collect the hundreds of billions lost to tax evasion was a better alternative than raising value-added tax (VAT).
MK Party members marched to the National Treasury and South African Reserve Bank (SARB) offices in Pretoria on 10 March 2025. Picture: EWN
JOHANNESBURG - The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party said capacitating the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to be able to collect the hundreds of billions lost to tax evasion was a better alternative than raising value-added tax (VAT).
The country's official opposition party said any increases to VAT would negatively impact poor and working-class people.
On Monday, hundreds of MK supporters marched to the offices of the National Treasury and the South African Reserve Bank Pretoria, calling for the financial institutions to play their part in decreasing the rising cost of living for ordinary South Africans.
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According to SARS, it currently has a tax gap of about R800 billion.
This is money it should have collected but didn't due to a variety of reasons.
The MK Party said the budget could be funded by empowering SARS to close this tax gap.
MK parliamentary whip, Mzwanele Manyi, said the revenue service must be given all the tools it needs to go after wealthy people and corporations.
"A tax on high net individuals is essential to redistribute wealth and fund critical public services. The rich continue to hoard wealth and exploit tax loopholes while the poor bear the financial burden of state revenue. Increase corporate taxes and close tax loopholes."
The MK Party has threatened to bring the country to a standstill should Parliament pass any increases on VAT.