ActionSA is adamant that it cannot support a bill that fuels the illicit economy after the party rejected the Rates and Monetary Amounts Bill in the National Assembly.
During a debate, ActionSA argued that South Africa was a tale of two economies, with a struggling legal economy growing at barely one percent and an illicit market expanding at more than six percent annually.
The partys Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley, says, The cheapest legal pack of cigarettes is R35, and the difference is just purely tax alcohol, 37 percent tax on alcohol. So its just absolutely crazy. Were calling a massive, massive own goal. And as Action SA, we say we understand the thinking behind it, but until theres actual prevention and enforcement of illegal trade.
