Wealth tax debate intensifies as rates rise
Friday, April 09, 2021
A debate on introducing a wealth tax in the country has been simmering in the public discourse for years, as inequality levels have grown to be amongst the worst in the world.
Analysts have said the recent increase in VAT to 14%, as well as a higher fuel levy, electricity tariffs and the new sugar and carbon taxes, will only increase inequality in a country where official studies show that 70% of all employed people earn less than P4,000 per month.
While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....