VOC News

Sudan sues UAE, raising questions about SA arms exports

Sudan has filed a case against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for allegedly violating the Genocide Convention, accusing the Gulf state of financing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its activities in West Darfur. This legal action has also raised concerns about South Africa’s indirect involvement, as the country supplies

COSATU Raises Concerns Over Budget Impact on Workers

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana delivered his highly anticipated budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday, March 12, unveiling tax measures that many believe will place further strain on struggling South Africans. One of the most contentious announcements was a 0.5 percentage point increase in VAT for 2025, with another hike planned

Police hunt for suspects in R1.35 million V&A Waterfront jewellery heist

Table Bay police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a group of individuals suspected of committing a jewelry heist at the V&A Waterfront on February 22, 2025. Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the incident involved three unidentified women and one man, who entered a jewelry store in Alfred Mall

Budget Speech sparks immediate criticism from civil organizations and political parties

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

Political parties divided over VAT increase

By Loushe Jordaan Gilbert The Government of National Unity (GNU) has expressed mixed reactions to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s plan to raise value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points this fiscal year, followed by another 0.5 percentage point increase in 2026, bringing VAT to 16%. Several political parties have voiced

Student forum slams budget for ignoring higher education crisis

The Student Forum has criticized Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s revised budget, arguing that it fails to address the financial barriers preventing thousands of students from accessing quality higher education. Delivering his budget speech in Parliament on Wednesday (12 March), Godongwana outlined the government’s financial plans, but student representatives say the

Black Sash raises concerns over grant increases

The National Budget Speech, delivered on Wednesday by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, has faced criticism from various quarters, with many calling it unbalanced. A major point of contention is the National Treasury’s plan to increase value-added tax (VAT) by 0.5 percentage points in the 2025/2026 financial year, followed by another

Economist Criticizes Godongwana’s Budget and Staggered VAT Hike

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a staggered increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT), raising it by 0.5 percentage points on May 1, 2025, followed by another 0.5 percentage point hike next year. By the 2026/27 financial year, VAT will stand at 16%. The decision, unveiled during his revised Budget Speech

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