He argued that the government should focus on security revenue through investing in the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to tackle tax evasion and customs fraud.

Parks suggested an additional R3 billion injection into SARS, which will enable the agency to increase tax compliance from 64% to 67%, potentially generating an additional R60 billion in revenue owing to the state

”It makes no sense to whip those who pay their taxes and ignore those who don’t,” he said.

“Government has a choice: we can continue upon the path that squeezes the poor and starves public services, hoping that will spark an economic recovery or we can be sober and fix the state and ensure it has the resources it needs, stimulate growth, slash unemployment, and in particular give SARS the tools it requires to collect the funds the fiscus desperately needs.”

Parks reiterated that the union will reject any attempt to shift the burden onto workers and the poor.

“Now is the time when the government needs to rise to the occasion and deliver the Marshall Plan that will take our economy to the 3% growth we need,” he added.

“We simply cannot afford another limp budget let alone one that pickpockets workers through VAT or personal income tax hikes.”

Earlier on Tuesday, IOL News reported that several political parties have voiced their opposition to potential increases in Value-Added Tax (VAT).

The South African Communist Party (SACP) and ActionSA expressed criticism, accusing the government of failing to prioritise the needs of the working class while continuing to bow to the interests of the wealthy elite.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

IOL Politics