Bishops’ statement on the South African Budget

Statement on South African Budget

Synod of Bishops: 22nd February 2018

The Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa express their deep concern at the increase in Value-Added Tax in the South African government’s budget.

It is distressing to us that the ordinary citizens of South Africa are being called upon through increased VAT to fill the gaps in government finances which are partly a result of massive maladministration and corruption, especially in state-owned enterprises.

We urge the South African government, as we have urged all governments in our region, to develop budgets which help the poor, to expose corruption and ensure that those who perpetrate it, whether in the private or public sector, are brought to justice.