In two weeks’ time, Finance Minister Enoch Godogwana will be tabling the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement. One of the key agenda items is the zero-rating of grocery items to alleviate the rise in the cost of food. Currently, only 21 basic food items are exempt from value-added tax and this list was last reviewed back in 2018. Whilst the opposition parties put the National Treasury under pressure for the past month, this intervention may not necessarily unburden poorer households. Experts are suggesting more targeted relief through direct cash transfers may help to keep food on the table for the foreseeable future.

Guest: Mervyn Abrahams - Executive Director of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group