In an unprecedented move, the South African government’s 2025 Budget Speech has been postponed to 12 March 2025 due to disagreements within the Government of National Unity (GNU) over a proposed increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 17%. The Democratic Alliance (DA), a key coalition partner, has strongly opposed this hike, arguing that it would disproportionately impact low-income households already struggling with the high cost of living.
Free SA and its supporters join the DA in calling on the government to reconsider this VAT increase. We are collecting public support to push back against this decision and demand a fairer approach to economic recovery—one that does not place the burden on ordinary citizens.
Together, we can make a difference. Your voice matters—let’s stop the VAT increase!
This campaign closed on 24 April 2025.
Key concerns with the VAT increase
Raising VAT will make essential goods and services more expensive for everyone, especially the poor and working-class.
Low-income households already spend a large portion of their income on basic necessities. This increase will push more families into financial hardship.
Higher costs for consumers can lead to reduced spending, which negatively impacts businesses and job security.
Instead of increasing VAT, the government should focus on reducing wasteful public spending, curbing corruption, and collecting unpaid corporate taxes.
Government to abandon any proposed VAT increases to mitigate further economic hardship.
Targeted economic relief measures to support struggling households.
Transparent government spending to prevent taxpayers’ money from being misused.
An immediate audit of existing government departments with serious consideration given to possible merger or removal of unnecessary departments.
Removal of wasteful government luxuries, including travel, accommodation, and the size of international delegations.
We need your voice to challenge this unfair tax increase! By signing this petition, you are sending a clear message to the government: South Africans will not stand for policies that make life harder for ordinary people.
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