LEVY WAS AN ATTEMPT TO PROTECT ECONOMY
DID anyone not notice that to export capital without any exit charge forms a great part of an unpatriotic and dangerous agenda?
Thankfully, the Constitutional Court has ruled on the Mark Shuttleworth case. In 2009, he applied to the Reserve Bank for permission to transfer about R2.5 billion out of South Africa, but objected to paying an exit levy. The court has correctly held that an exit charge is not inconsistent with the constitution, and that its purpose is not to raise revenue but to discourage the export of capital to protect the economy.
The court’s reasoning is similar to an opinion expressed by the SACP: that exchange controls are important as a policy instrument to keep the resources needed for development in the country.
The liberalisation of exchange controls has cost huge sums in tax revenue needed to create jobs and finance development. For our country to implement industrialisation, it will have to prevent capital flight.
Thabo Thwala
Cuba, despite a US-imposed economic blockade that lasted for more than 50 years, was able unconditionally to offer its solidarity to the Struggle, in fulfilment of its humanist approach to issues. While we should note the change in the US government’s tone regarding its relations with Cuba, it is important we offer our solidarity with Cuba. That the US has toned down does not mean it sees Cuba differently. It will continue to attempt regime change in Cuba.
We should remember that we are a people who received the greatest international solidarity, and offer solidarity to other oppressed people. The best place to begin is in Africa. We need to speak out on the atrocities happening next door in Swaziland. It is ruled by an absolute monarch, political parties are proscribed, activists are detained, tortured and sometimes killed, and there is no freedom of speech and assembly.
Tembisile Magkatho
AS INKATHA celebrates its 40th anniversary, I congratulate its president, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. There are things we cannot take away from him. He did a wonderful job by forming Inkatha when there was a political vacuum.
Many organisations were banned. Shenge remained principled. He did not compromise the values of the ANC’s founding fathers. He talked about iNkosi Albert Luthuli and quoted from his book Let My People Go and Nelson Mandela’s The Struggle Is My Life. It was not easy to opt for non- violence and negotiations when many were calling for armed struggle and disinvestment. Some historians, jour nalists and analysts may sweep under the carpet all you did, but the truth cannot be betrayed. Well, done, Shenge, for remaining principled against all odds.
Mathapello Nkadimeng
WHAT a mess the contractors have made in Parkmore and Sandown. Daisy Street is a disgrace: contractors ripped up the grass pavement and left piles of sandy boulders and mudballs. Diggers chopped a cable and we had no power for 16 hours!
In 11th Street, Parkmore, there was disregard for flowers and rockeries. The tender THE ONLY credit we can give our government is for putting the country in debt. Trying to cancel Jacob Zuma’s collateral is its Houdini attempt at a great escape.
Jacob’s cheque-ed past is catching up with him quicker than an e-toll bill being chucked in a recycle bin. “Overdraft” to our government means racing down a highway in a taxpayer-funded sports car with the top down. Its interest rate peaks when there is a golden handshake or tender up for grabs.
Keith Chipiwa
I WAS listening to the SAfm morning show The Editors on Sunday, June 21. One reporter made it clear that she supported the ANC’s devious endeavours in letting him escape back to Sudan. She said the US, George W Bush and Israel should be before to the International Criminal Court.
I believe a true reporter to be a person who never takes sides, and reports every story with a balanced point of view.
AJM