Remarks by ActionSA President, Herman Mashaba, at the multi-party announcement of the scrapping of the VAT increase.

ActionSA welcomes yesterday’s revision of Global Credit Ratings, a Moody’s affiliate, of the City of Tshwane to positive. This revision comes with the specific commendation to the City’s for its improved fiscal position and liquidity metrics.

The completion of upgrades of the block DD and BB sub-stations ahead of schedule in Soshanguve is a major breakthrough for ActionSA Mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moya and the multi-party coalition government she leads.

ActionSA extends its sincerest condolences to the global Catholic community on the passing of His Holiness, Pope Francis.

ActionSA can today reveal — through a damning parliamentary reply — that the DA’s Deputy Minister of Finance, Ashor Sarupen, was intimately involved in the budget process, particularly in drafting the original 19 February budget speech which included the deeply unpopular 2 percentage point VAT increase, as well as the subsequent revision to the split 1 percentage point increase, despite their denials.

ActionSA is deeply concerned about the fire that engulfed the emergency unit of Tembisa hospital last night and is calling on the provincial health department to get to the bottom of this and report back to the residents as soon as possible. We are happy that the fire was contained, and no lives were lost.

ActionSA notes with deep concern the growing reports of political gatekeeping in community employment opportunities and alleged interference by ward councillors in the implementation of local projects. These reports, echoed through community outcries, especially in Region F suggest that job opportunities from government programs are being reserved for affiliates of certain political parties, to the exclusion of deserving residents.

ActionSA notes with deep concern the recent remarks by former Premier Ace Magashule, attempting to absolve himself of responsibility in the botched asbestos housing tender.

ActionSA is deeply concerned by Eskom’s latest operational update, which reveals that R3.6 billion was spent on diesel in just the past 30 days, with R1.34 billion burned between 1 and 10 April 2025 alone.

ActionSA welcomes the proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants applicants. The proposed distinction between ‘income’ and ‘financial support’ will help more indigent individuals to access the grant.

ActionSA expresses deep concern over the South African government’s concerted efforts to force the relocation of the Taiwanese Liaison Office from Pretoria to Johannesburg.

ActionSA welcomes the decision by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to terminate its contract with Nal’ibali following serious allegations involving individuals associated with the programme.

ActionSA is outraged by explosive allegations of systemic corruption within the Department of Education, where desperate job seekers are allegedly coerced into paying bribes ranging from R2,500 to R10,000 for employment opportunities that should be allocated fairly, transparently, and on merit.

ActionSA is appalled by the persistent and systemic failures by the Gauteng Department of Education and the South African Council of Educators (SACE) to properly vet educators and ensure that those listed on the National Child Protection Register (NCPR) are barred from working with children.

ActionSA is dismayed, though not entirely shocked, by the announcement that Khutsong West Clinic will close its doors on 1 May 2025 due to the dangerous sinkholes threatening the safety of patients and staff.