The cobra on the counter: How another sin tax helps no one but the government
by Paul Maritz, Director at Free SA The South African government is currently considering further tax increases on alcoholic beverages, ostensibly to combat alcohol abuse. At first glance, this might seem like a logical and well-intended initiative. However, as with many simplistic solutions to complex problems, history has shown that so-called sin taxes are not […]
State Capture 2.0? SA’s latest lesson in political déjà vu
By Reuben Coetzer, Free SA spokesperson South Africa’s ruling class has an uncanny ability to learn all the wrong lessons from history. Every time we think we’ve hit rock bottom, the government appears with a fresh shovel, determined to dig deeper. Enter the National State Enterprises Bill, a legislative proposal that seeks to consolidate South […]
Public outcry over State Enterprises Bill: Free SA urges SAns to resist State Capture 2.0 during public participation process
The Foundation for Rights of Expression and Equality (Free SA) has registered its concerns regarding the proposed National State Enterprises Bill, which it suggests will usher in ‘state capture 2.0’. The organisation has submitted a detailed parliamentary submission (see attached) outlining the risks contained in the Bill as part of the public participation process which […]