The South African Poultry Association Sapa has renewed its bid to have chicken zero-rated for VAT, submitting a fresh request to National Treasury for inclusion in the 2026 National Budget.
The association has made similar appeals in previous VAT reviews but says rising food insecurity and the widening gap between income and basic nutrition have made the intervention more urgent. It says zero-rating chicken would also stimulate demand within the labour-intensive value chain and support job stability and growth in the sector.
Treasury called for proposals following a parliamentary committee meeting last year, which recommended the expansion of the list of essential foods exempt from VAT.
