“He’s Spitting Facts”: Man Goes on Loud Tax Rant in Taxi While Passengers Sit Quietly, SA Relates

• A man went on a loud rant in a packed taxi about how the high VAT was taking too much of the people's money, while everyone sat in silence
• The clip was posted on TikTok showing the guy talking to himself while facing the back of the taxi.
• Mzansi found him relatable and funny, saying his tax points were valid, while others laughed at the fact that no one replied to him
• Briefly News spoke to local taxi driver Nduna about his own experiences with vocal passengers

One local guy had a full-on rant in a taxi, complaining about Mzansi's 15% VAT rate, while the other commuters listened attentively, without any interruption.

The clip was posted by @lwethu_f on TikTok, received plenty of reactions from people who found it real and funny.

The man vents about the tax rate

The video begins with a man sitting behind the taxi driver in a packed taxi, facing the direction of the door while passionately voicing out his frustrations. He talks loudly about how taxes are taking over everything, from bread to basics, and says he's the one keeping the government running with his money.

His tone is serious but dramatic, pacing his words like he's giving a speech. The man also notes that money does not grow in trees, adding that even when buying bread, a 15% tax is added.

Watch the TikTok video below:

Taxi ride chronicles

We at Briefly News spoke with Nduna, a short-distance taxi driver with many years of experience. We asked him if he ever had a passenger who talked to himself like the guy. He responded:

"Yes, I've had many times. Sometimes people just start talking out loud about life, politics, or money stress. I actually prefer those, they're better than the ones who start debates that turn into arguments or verbal fights.

Most of the time, self-talkers don't offend anyone; they just want to vent, to release their frustration."

The team asked if Nduna thinks passengers like the one who was venting about VAT are voicing thoughts we all have but don't say out loud. The man shared:

"A 100%. That's what I always say. Sometimes these guys say things we all feel deep down, but no one wants to be the first to complain or even has the energy. So, when someone does it, it's a relief.

Such talks are also educational, most of the time when you listen carefully to such people, you realise they are smart beings, with overflowing wisdom."

When asked if he's ever stopped arguments in his taxi after someone started a loud topic. The taxi driver said:

"I've done that many times. Especially when gender issues, politics or money come up. Sometimes, when passengers don't agree, it ends up in a loud exchange of words with insults.

Then I have to play peacemaker while I'm still driving. That's why I prefer the ones who speak alone, there's less drama there.

SA tax remains at 15%

The planned 0.5% point increase in VAT that was set to take effect on 1 May 2025 was suspended by the courts, providing much-needed clarity for SARS' consumers and vendors. The SARS website reported that Revenue Commissioner Edward Kieswetter welcomed the decision, saying it allows the tax authority to administer the VAT Act more effectively.

The order means there is no need for vendors to implement any VAT increase. All systems must remain set at the standard 15% rate.

Mzansi relates to the man's views

Social media users found the video hilarious and real at the same time. Many said the guy was speaking facts, and also shared how badly Cyril's economy was affecting them. Some shared that the man was probably thinking to himself and then ended up voicing his thoughts without realising it. Others jokingly asked whether he paid his fare after all the noise.

User @Mahlaku said:

"The sound of the taxi after that, 'why must there be a separate government as though it’s not my money that’s working there?' Tso😭."

User @Ray commented:

"Maybe he was talking to everybody in the taxi, but he was too shy to make eye contact 🥹."

User @Mbalz_K shared:

"The difference between me and this guy is that he does it in public, and I do this privately 😩."

User @Cebisa Mazoza added:

"He was spitting facts though 😭."

User @Tshepho MolebatsiMa said:

"True if u earn R100...R40+ goes to taxes... u pay R27 income tax + R15 VAT. U Only use R58... add the fuel levy if you're driving or even using public transport fuel levy is added to the taxi fare."

User @Mavie asked:

"Put a camera in front of this guy and open a TikTok account. Isn’t this what everyone does now, talk to themselves, but place a camera in front of them😂?"

User @KelseyKelChloe shared:

"He has a point though 🤔 lol."

3 Briefly News articles about taxis

• A taxi driver from Johannesburg wowed his friend who filmed him dressed stylishly as if going to the office, and Mzansi showered him with praises.
• A taxi driver saw a female motorist in heavy traffic and invited her to his kasi in Dunoon, promising she'd be safe while with him.
• A taxi was moving slowly in traffic when two guys jumped out and showed off their synchronised dance moves, impressing other motorists.

Source: Briefly News