IFP vows to hold govt accountable to ensure VAT hike doesn't burden poor & working class

DURBAN - The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is determined to hold government accountable in a bid to prevent the value-added tax (VAT) increase from burdening the poor and working class.

It said it believes the VAT must be a temporary measure.

The party’s two-day national executive committee (NEC) concluded that the VAT hike should be used to grow the economy but should not take a toll on citizens.

The IFP believes that the VAT increase is a solution pending other economic incomes for the country.

The party said it was a better solution than borrowing, adding that it shouldn’t put people in difficulty.

READ: Ramaphosa says it's unlikely treasury will find way to scrap VAT increase

IFP president, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said: "The IFP will hold the government accountable to ensure that VAT increases do not disproportionately burden the poor and working-class South Africans, and we will continue to advocate for pro-poor economic policies."

He added that while the government is working on growing the economy, it will not do so overnight.