Africa’s Informal Workforce Strains Tax Collection and Public Finances
Nearly 88% of workers in Sub-Saharan Africa operate outside the formal economy, limiting governments’ ability to collect tax revenue, expand public services and strengthen fiscal resilience. Citing Moody’s Ratings, the report notes that high informality weakens government finances and creditworthiness, while Africa also loses a significant share of potential VAT revenue due to collection gaps.
5-minute read
SARS Targets R300 Billion Tax Gap Through Illicit Trade Crackdown
SARS is moving ahead with plans to strengthen enforcement against illicit trade through the introduction of a product verification system. According to the report, illicit trade costs South Africa an estimated R300 billion in lost tax revenue each year, making the crackdown a key part of efforts to protect the tax base and improve revenue collection.
2-minute read
Online Gambling Ban Debate Raises Fresh Tax and Regulatory Questions
The National Gambling Board maintains that interactive online gambling remains illegal in South Africa, except for online sports betting through licensed bookmakers. The article highlights growing concerns around casino-style games offered under betting licences, the sharp rise in gambling revenue, and National Treasury’s proposal for a 20% national tax on online and interactive gambling gross revenue. SAICA has criticised the proposal, arguing that government should first clarify and enforce the legal framework before creating a specific tax for an activity regarded as illegal.
4-minute read
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