Daanyaal Matthews

By Daanyaal Matthews Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s decision to increase value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5% this year, with a potential additional increase next year, has drawn sharp criticism—even from some ANC partners within the Government of National Unity (GNU). Defending the move, Godongwana argued that raising corporate or personal income taxes would be counterproductive to efforts aimed at reducing unemployment. He cautioned that such tax hikes could discourage investment and […]

By Daanyaal Matthews President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is expected to visit the Republic in April. This visit follows the Ukrainian president’s public rejection by the United States and the increased tensions between the United States and the Republic of South Africa after Trump's executive order halting aid. The decision to invite the Ukrainian president has, therefore, come as a sudden surprise to onlookers. This is as the Republic has […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  The prospect of a VAT increase has sparked widespread concern across South Africa, with many questioning how they will afford their daily expenses. Amid these concerns, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana has defended the move, stating that the government must diversify and strengthen revenue channels to sustain public projects—pointing primarily to the Social Relief Grant.  However, his remarks have been met with criticism, particularly from NGOs, who […]

By Daanyaal Matthews  AfriForum’s trip to the United States has been surrounded by controversy from the start, with critics blaming the lobby group for escalating tensions between the U.S. and South Africa, potentially jeopardizing the AGOA agreement.  The controversy intensified last week when AfriForum handed over a manifesto to U.S. President Donald Trump, calling for stricter measures against top ANC officials. This move, along with their entire campaign, has led […]