DA accuses ANC of being modern-day oppressor over proposed VAT hike

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the African National Congress (ANC) of being the modern-day oppressor of poor South Africans, describing its proposal to increase value-added tax (VAT) as a form of oppression.  

This is in response to the ANC's plan to back Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s suggestion for a VAT hike.  

ALSO READ: DA insists no agreement on way forward on Godongwana Budget Speech

While Godongwana is scheduled to present a revised budget speech later on Wednesday, partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have yet to agree on the way forward.  

DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau said the ANC is proving to be counterproductive in efforts to reduce the cost of living.  

“They do not care about the majority of the South African population – poor people, Black people, who they call their saviours and liberators. In fact, I will be bold enough to say the ANC have ceased to be a liberation movement. They are the modern-day oppressors today.”