South Africa’s Revised Budget: Treasury Proposes Reduced VAT Increase

South Africa’s Treasury proposes a smaller VAT increase to resolve a budget deadlock, the first delay in 30 years. The program also discusses trade war tensions in Europe due to tariffs imposed by the U.S. and examines digital phenomena like link rot.

South Africa’s National Treasury has put forward a revised budget that proposes a reduced increase in value-added tax (VAT), aiming to resolve a political stalemate within the ruling coalition. This revised proposal comes after delays contributed to the postponement of last month’s budget, marking the first such delay in three decades.

In addition to the budget issues, the program addresses escalating trade tensions in Europe. An official spokesperson from the European Commission will discuss the group’s response to President Trump’s imposition of a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum, indicating the mounting trade conflict.

Furthermore, the BBC’s Frey Lindsay has launched an inquiry into “link rot,” a digital phenomenon that raises questions concerning the longevity and reliability of online resources. This investigation aims to explore how the internet’s seemingly ephemeral nature impacts its perceived permanence and usability.

In summary, South Africa’s Treasury seeks to mitigate a political deadlock with a smaller VAT increase in its revised budget, addressing a significant delay in government proceedings. Concurrently, trade tensions escalate in Europe due to U.S. tariffs, and a BBC investigation highlights concerns regarding digital sustainability. These developments underscore the complexities in both economic and digital landscapes.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk