We’re told that President Cyril Ramaphosa is at last considering some fuel price relief for struggling South African consumers. A day late and a dollar short.
The gravy-train silence from the GNU on this has been deafening. Where is the GNU? Nowhere, it seems. And why the silence from the DA? Too comfortable in a cabinet with all the free stuff and their snouts in the trough? Even the AA has suggested cutting the fuel levy — weeks ago. The obvious temporary solution.
Why not lift VAT on household electricity and water charges (an immoral double charge)? Why not remove or reduce the plastic bag and sugar levies? Why not extend the range of basic foods that are VAT free? Lift VAT on educational books? All of the above would help. But do something.
The DA, particularly, has shown itself to be as useless, shameless and heartless as the ANC with its silence and inaction while its own politicians are immune from the devastating cost-of-living pressures. The DA has lost its way and its soul. Elections are coming, and voters will be merciless with political parties that looked the other way or failed to act.
Mark Lowe, Durban
