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DEFEND Our Democracy launched an electoral reform campaign this week, calling for members of Parliament to reject the Electoral Amendment Bill, which it says is flawed.

Defend our Democracy said in a statement: “It is not in the interests of the public but serves to benefit political parties. It also severely disadvantages independent candidates.

“An example of this is that prior to standing for election, political parties are required to get 1 000 signatures from the public, while independent candidates need to get some 8 000 signatures.”

Members of Parliament are expected to vote on the Bill later this month. | IOL

Pension tax

SOME pensioners are up in arms after the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF) implemented a revised tax rate last month, leaving them with little income to meet basic needs.

The GEPF spokesperson Rakgwatha Mokou said they were implementing a directive from Sars. He said the Government Pensions Administration Agency had written to all the affected pensioners to tell them they had the option to opt out of the revised tax rate provided by Sars and revert to the normal PAYE rate applicable to their pension.

The Public Servants Association, which represents a substantial number of pensioners, said it was disappointed with the manner in which the GEPF had dealt with tax deductions. | IOL