Chairperson, the objective of the Rates Bill is to change the rates and monetary threshold and to increase the excise duties on the alcohol and tobacco. It is going to affect the poorest of the poor who are always going for the two to get solace due to stress they are getting from this government. The EFF is not in support of this Bill. Thank you.
Hon Chair, I don't have a declaration to make but please note that the FFPlus does not support this Bill. Thank you.
Chairperson, firstly, I don't think it is correct to say it's a 'stealth tax'. The National Treasury is very open and transparent about what it is doing. Secondly, you, yourself acknowledge that we need revenue. We can debate and discuss what the causes are of why we are where we are. But in some or other measure