PETER BRUCE: SA needs taxes, not airlines
The idea of a national carrier just doesn’t fly anymore
A tiny little squeak of intelligence eked out of the ANC policy conference this past weekend. It appeared in the Sunday Times so it was probably readied in time, by its instigators, for publication. The news was a suggestion from some of the provinces where mining still takes place in SA that a new tax be levied in return for resources extracted from their soil. In itself, it wasn’t surprising. All three provinces — North West, Mpumalanga and Free State — backing the proposal are also backing President Jacob Zuma as the December succession battle to replace him looms. Gauteng, which doesn’t back the proposal, is also opposed to any lengthening of the Zuma legacy (through his former wife). And, of course, mining companies already pay royalties for what they extract. The point I’ve been wanting to make for a while, now spurred by the provincial idea, is this. My understanding is that mining royalties in SA are relatively low. There is room to raise them. Sure, miners in SA face a moun...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.