.

It would be laughable were it not so tragic and criminal.

South Africans work hard to earn a living and in the process pay taxes. But the money is privatised by what appears to be a politically connected Mafia operating within the State.

For whatever they earn, the dwindling number of employed South Africans contribute a lot to the fiscus through taxes.

Citizens are legally bound to pay these taxes. It's their patriotic duty. The taxes are meant to enable the state to perform its duties to the citizens by funding its expenses which include paying salaries of soldiers to protect the territorial integrity of our country and building of toilets for the poor to safeguard human dignity.

And now that it is tax season, the South African Revenue Service - the shrewdest taxman this country has ever had - is expecting all citizens to play by the tax rules. Those who violate such rules inevitably get punished with all sorts of penalties.

Sars is rated among the best state agencies - unlike many others that are crippled by allegations of corruption.

Sars is a pride of the nation. Without its professionalism, the government would be unable to perform its duties.

There is a dialectical relationship between tax collection and government expenditure.

It is common knowledge that the more the taxman collects, the more the government spends. But all the good work that Sars does - not to mention responsible citizens - becomes a farce when efficient tax collection is not reciprocated by efficient public expenditure.

The gap determines the extent and the depth of criminality within the State.

How the state, through Sars, makes sure and does everything it can to ensure that citizens pay their dues, while at the same time fails to ensure efficient expenditure is arguably the most devastating thing - bar rape - this country experiences daily.

This week's report by the Auditor-General, which revealed that billions of rands in taxpayers' money cannot be accounted for, is saddening.

It gives a clear indication that SA is cash-flush and has the necessary resources to improve the lives of citizens.

But the members of the Mafia within the State are so adept at lining up their pockets through corrupt means they are soiling the virtues of paying taxes.

If this is allowed to continue, a cynical citizenry will begin to question Sars's legitimacy. And that's when things will begin to fall apart. Literally.

Comments

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Thu May 23 23:38:53 SAST 2013 ::

Jul 26, 2012

Pointman

Nombembe and Thuli is all we have left to defend the poor against the rapacious officials. And of course our vote.
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Jul 26, 2012

WakeUpSouthAfrica

The day that the middle class decides to go on a tax-revolt is the day that the government will see its @ss. Yeah, we are patriotic to South Africa, that is why we pay taxes.

But the day will come when the patriotic thing to do, is not pay your taxes.
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Jul 26, 2012

truthhurt

WakeUpSouthAfrica
The day that the middle class decides to go on a tax-revolt is the day that the government will see its @ss. Yeah, we are patriotic to South Africa, that is why we pay taxes.

But the day will come when the patriotic thing to do, is not pay your taxes
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Not going to happen.
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Jul 26, 2012

sarmologadi

It"s sad that SA that Icons like Madiba, Biko, etc...has fought 4 has degraded 2 this...
ppl asseblief open your eyes ANC is nonsense it's no longer working 4 u but ripping u of ur hard earned cash....
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Jul 26, 2012

Mellow

Its really sad SA is really messed up we pay taxes and they keep stealing from us so basically as tax payers in SA we fckd!!! Tx to our government
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Jul 26, 2012

zazezizozuzoooooooooooooooooo

@WakeUpSA
We are compelled to pay taxes, it is not a choice, the only time you don't pay is when you are unemployed.
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Jul 26, 2012

WakeUpSouthAfrica

zazezizozuzoooooooooooooooooo - We are compelled to pay taxes, and the government is compelled to not steal the taxes AND to deliver services.


They are breaking their agreement with us, hence, we can break our agreement with them.
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Jul 26, 2012

phalaphala

South Africa need a Good President and they must make an example by sending one corrupt persoon to prison
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Jul 26, 2012

Mokwepa

there is no good president that we need.robomagana gobushua!!
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Jul 26, 2012

MGEEZ

Pointman
Nombembe and Thuli is all we have left to defend the poor against the rapacious officials. And of course our vote.
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Correct; but I want to add all the whistle blowers and the public servants who are reporting these failures; loopholes and corrupt tendencies to the both AG and the public protector as our hope as well. These guys risk their livelihood and at times their own lives to report such activities that many people see on TV as investigations.
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