Africa-Press – Eswatini. Sicelo ‘Nkhungankhosi’ Dlamini, the vocal Mayiwane Member of Parliament(MP) has questioned the reluctance to pass laws increasing salaries for all workers in the country as emaSwati face financial challenges.
Speaking in Parliament this week during the debate of the Value Added Tax(VAT) increase, the influential MP said, “it has become a norm for Parliament rush when passing laws or approving policies that seek to collect more money from the pockets of emaSwati but, when civil servants and other workers demand a salary increment, Parliament normally refuse to support or amplify the voices of the citizens”.
The MP made an example with the issue of junior police officers who are currently demanding their salary increment under Phase two(II), he said workers are always told to wait for “consultants” when demanding better working conditions.
“But just because now it’s Value Added Tax(VAT) that will grab more money from the pockets of emaSwati, sekutsiwa kitsi siyi-Phalamende, kuphangiseni-ke loku kujakekile. Why don’t we start by increasing salaries for all workers in the country and then, speak about collecting tax?. People are struggling financially and now, we want to take more money from their pockets, just because it’s tax, then it’s urgent?. As Parliament, let us prioritize the lives of the people and then collect tax,” said the Mayiwane MP.
But Hhukwini MP Alec Lushaba supported the VAT increase saying, it must be implemented to align with South Africa in enhancing trade particularly, the convenient the movement of goods through the Border Gates.
“As Parliament, we must approve the VAT increase as this will enhance trade and the smooth movement of goods within the Border Gates. We are trading with South Africa and, if we collect the same VAT amount, there will be no inconvenience in the various borders,” said the Hhukwini MP.
Neal Rijikernberg, the Minister of Finance subsequently halted the approved implementation of the VAT increase after South Africa suspended the 0.5% increase.
On another note, the introduction of the VAT increase to 15.5% is highly expected to escalate the costs of basic commodities including food thus, worsening the lives of the financial struggling emaSwati.
Eswatini has about 70% of the population living below the poverty and, the youth is facing scarcity of scholarships and job opportunities.
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