Hon Chairperson, firstly, let me congratulate the chairperson of the standing committee, Mr Mufamadi, on graduating to the status of philosopher. I think many of the things he said about tax compliance is absolutely valid and I hope most South Africans will take these sentiments to heart.
The hon George has a habit of getting things wrong and he has once again done so, I'm afraid. The fiscal framework that we've put in the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, MTBPS, and indeed in the Budget as well, is a very credible framework. The International Monetary Fund, IMF, no less, in the context of huge instability around the world, has said we've made all the right decisions. Yet Mr George finds some incredible reason to say that we have an unsustainable fiscal framework.
We have a sound revenue base; we continue to broaden that base; we are not overtaxing South Africans; our tax policies are absolutely world class and uncontested - and yet the hon George finds reasons to say that this is not sustainable. I suppose some excuse has to be found for saying that they are going to be an opposition for the sake of opposition.
Section 45 seems of have taken up too much of the committee's time and it's also taken up too much of the House's time. Section 45 was necessary because not innocent bystanders but in fact vested interests were robbing the fiscus! We asked the question: Do we become innocent bystanders and allow the fiscus to be raided or do we put a stop to it?
It's a great pity that for some opposition means allowing themselves to be influenced by these vested interests. [Interjections.] That is a regrettable development, if one might say so. We want - and we have - a proud record of creating absolute certainty for business in South Africa, but if business goes wrong, we will not hesitate to act. If business is listening to advisors whose only task and responsibility is to collect a massive fee for undermining the fiscus, we will not allow that. So, the suspension was absolutely valid and it has produced tons of information that the Treasury and SA Revenue Service, Sars, can now look, which it could not access before. So, the action was absolutely right and justifiable.
The hon Koornhof also made reference to section 45. I respond to him in the same way as we did. But, hon Koornhof, the processes in Parliament are in the hands of your committee. I hope you will talk to your chairperson and resolve the process issues that you have raised. It's interesting that you quoted Oscar Wilde and asked for a new category of tax. I await any submissions you have in that regard.
Let me thank the hon Marais and hon Dubazana for their contributions. But, hon Marais, be assured that South Africa wants to create conditions - and all of us should join in this - so that we get more investment from South Africans and foreigners as well. Thank you very much for your participation, and for those of you who support the Bill, thank you for your support. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Taxation Laws Amendment Bill read a first time (Democratic Alliance dissenting).
Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill read a second time.