By Hon. M. Hlengwa MP
IFP Spokesperson on Finance
Note to Editors: This statement follows government’s announcement of further increases to the fuel price which comes into effect this Wednesday.
The IFP will today write to National Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene and Energy Minister, Jeff Radebe, to request the suspension of the General Fuel and Road Accident levies on the petrol price per litre.
This would amount to an estimated R5, 30 and would possibly bring down the cost of fuel to just over R11, 00 per litre and stabilise the monthly adjustments to the fuel price.
The IFP is fully aware of the global fuel crisis, however, when in crisis; our country requires leadership to take strong and measured action.
This is an opportunity for President Cyril Ramaphosa to walk his talk and cut his cabinet, take strong action against corruption and looting of the public purse and declare austerity measures for all government departments – this with a view to make up the cost shortfall on the fuel levies.
South Africans cannot continue to suffer without relief from undue poverty while the ANC government has increased VAT, put up rates and taxes across metros and councils in the country and now commuters wouldn’t be able to get to work nor are motorists able to fill up their tanks.
Therefore, the IFP in Parliament will write to Speaker, Ms Baleka Mbete MP, to request an Urgent Debate as this is a matter of National Public Importance in terms of Rule 130 (1).
The President, together with Ministers of – Finance, Energy, Trade and Industry, Transport and Economic Development must be able to table a relief package before Parliament and an action plan to mitigate the deleterious effects the continual fuel price increases have on the poorest of the poor.
Media Enquiries:
Mkhululeko Hlengwa MP
IFP Spokesperson on Finance
071 111 0539
