General
#TaxRevolt is not appropriate reaction to corruption - analyst─── 10:41 Mon, 28 Jan 2019
Economist Tania Ajam says a tax revolt is not an appropriate reaction to corruption and mishandling of state funds.
Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille, yesterday took to Twitter threatening that if those implicated in the Zondo commission of inquiry aren't prosecuted within a reasonable time, she would organise a tax revolt.
I'm waiting to see how many ppl get prosecuted and land in jail in a reasonable amount of time after the Zondo commission. If they do not, just watch me. I will be organising the #TaxRevolt. I have tried the electoral route for years. Voters seem to like voting for corruption. https://t.co/WNvDpPKND1
— Helen Zille (@helenzille) January 26, 2019
Ajam acknowledges sentiments of frustration and anger that has probably contributed to the conversation around a tax revolt.
However, she says we do have more appropriate democratic alternatives.
“We should look at institutions like the Public Protector. We know that the courts are overburdened, we know that we have problems with the NPA, but we need to strengthen our justice system.”
Ajam says a tax revolt seems extremely unlikely as it would be very difficult due to the way tax is collected and rules around tax compliance.
