This announcement was made by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing at Luthuli House, following the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held from 25 to 28 October.
THE African National Congress (ANC) has taken decisive action to alleviate the burden of soaring food prices on South African consumers, instructing the government to expand the list of zero-rated foodstuffs.
This announcement was made by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula during a media briefing at Luthuli House, following the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held from 25 to 28 October.
Currently, the zero-rated foodstuffs list comprises 19 essential items, including brown bread, maize meal, and various pulses.
Grain SA economist Heleen Viljoen has suggested that the list could be expanded to include other staple foods such as poultry, white bread, and sorghum, which are vital for many households across the nation. “All these products can be considered as staple foods for the majority of South Africans,” remarked Viljoen.
In alignment with the ANC’s advocacy, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) is also lobbying for the expansion of the zero-rated basket of goods, aiming to ease the financial strain on low-income households. This initiative is deemed crucial for bolstering food security as living costs continue to rise.
As South African households grapple with tough economic realities, the potential expansion of the zero-rated foodstuffs list could provide much-needed relief, although experts urge a broader strategy to tackle the fundamental issues driving food insecurity.
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