ATM's Zungula Urges Mantashe to Review Fuel Taxes That Could Cut Price by R6 a Litre
- African Transformation Movement leader Vuyo Zungula wrote to Minister Gwede Mantashe, requesting an urgent review of South Africa's fuel-pricing structure
- Zungula pointed out that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources missed its 2025/26 target to review the fuel price formula
- The ATM leader argued that temporary emergency measures, including a R10 billion allocation to the Central Energy Fund, are not a lasting solution
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SOUTH AFRICA — Mounting financial pressure on South Africans has prompted African Transformation Movement (ATM) parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula to lobby Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe for a complete overhaul of fuel levies. Zungula asserts that adjusting tax components in the pricing formula could slice pump rates by up to R6 a litre. He spoke after South Africans faced one of the highest petrol hikes recently.
According to TimesLIVE, Zungula highlighted how continuous price hikes ripple through transport, food security, and general living expenses. He criticized the ministry for failing to meet its 2025/26 performance benchmark regarding the fuel formula evaluation.
Vuyo Zungula addresses fuel pricing structure
Zungula argues that fiscal buffers—including a R10 billion Central Energy Fund injection used during 2025/26 to offset Middle Eastern market turmoil—fail to solve underlying pricing flaws. While recognizing potential tax revenue drop-offs, he believes alternative Treasury strategies must be explored instead of stalling discussions.
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To build long-term resilience, Zungula urged the responsible extraction of South Africa’s own oil and gas reserves under tight environmental oversight to lessen exposure to international volatility. He now demands that Mantashe present Parliament with a detailed roadmap addressing missed targets and proposed structural relief.
Zungula slams Ramaphosa over Phala-Phala
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the ATM’s criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s urgent court bid to halt Parliament’s impeachment process over the Phala Phala scandal. Zungula questioned the timing of the application and said it raised concerns about accountability.
The case is being heard by the Western Cape High Court as Parliament’s impeachment committee contests the president’s bid. The scandal centres on allegations that foreign currency was hidden at Ramaphosa’s Limpopo farm and the matter was concealed from law enforcement.
Source: Briefly News
