Government is considering tax increases to fund the Covid 19 vaccine
- The South African government is considering hiking up tax rates to pay for the Covid-19 vaccine
- According to the Department of Health, R20 billion is needed to vaccinate the whole country
- Social media users commented on the matter, with a few dragging the ANC for even thinking of this initiative
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Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the government had secured millions of doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. The country is in need of desperate relief, as there have been over 1 million confirmed cases and 37 105 deaths.
The National Treasury is now considering increasing tax rates so that they can fund the vaccine. The Treasury director-general, Dondo Mogajane says that the government is committed to funding the rollout of the vaccines.
“SA will not take us seriously if I can find money for SAA but not for vaccines,” he said, during an interview with Business Day.
Source: Getty Images
The government is also considering making the taxes for alcohol higher to get funding for the vaccine. According to the Department of Health, it will take approximately R20 billion to vaccinate the whole of South Africa.
Social media users in Mzansi reacted to the news that the government is considering hiking tax to fund the vaccine. Take a look at the reactions below:
@StevenIngham5 said: "Another great idea from the ANC. They've just stolen R500 billion and now they want more. I suggest the Treasury and Tito Mboweni thinks again."
@Mthunzie_Maps commented: "Tito Mboweni, money for the vaccine can be found in those cheap cigarettes that crosses the borders illegaly. Put tax in all cigarettes brands. Even if its below R20 per 20 box. Tax them."
@Eileenn6 said: "I will rather pay for multiple vaccines for my family and those who can’t afford it, then give this corrupt, thieving ANC government one cent extra."
In other Covid-19 news, Briefly.co.za reported that Cyril Ramaphosa admitted that there is no cash to help struggling businesses. President Cyril Ramaphosa has admitted that the government does not have any money to spare to help struggling businesses hit hard by the Covid-19 lockdown.
According to The South African, Ramaphosa revealed this during an interview when he was pressed on what the government was doing to help businesses.
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Source: Briefly News
