Build One South Africa (BOSA) has approached Transport Minister Barbara Creecy requesting a full explanation for the R408 million “once-off taxi gratuity” allocated in the 2025/26 national budget, which was tabled before Parliament by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
With Parliament set to vote on the national budget in the coming weeks, the allocation of this massive sum to the taxi industry raises serious concerns over transparency, accountability, and the government’s spending priorities.
For a multibillion-rand industry that pays zero tax, this allocation is highly questionable. While ordinary South Africans struggle under the weight of VAT increases, high fuel prices, and rising costs of living, the government is handing over hundreds of millions of rands to an industry that does not contribute its fair share to the country’s tax base.
At a time when South Africa is battling high unemployment, economic stagnation, and underfunded essential services, it is critical that government justifies how and why public funds are being allocated.
Taxpayers deserve to know whether this R408 million payment is a necessary intervention or simply another opaque expenditure benefitting a politically connected sector.
To bring clarity, BOSA Leader Mmusi Maimane has submitted a Parliamentary Question to Minister Creecy, requesting a full breakdown of:
- The rationale behind the R408 million gratuity.
- The intended beneficiaries of the payment; and
- The criteria and process that will be used to determine its distribution.
With coalition parties already divided over key spending decisions, BOSA calls on the Minister to provide full transparency and not allow this allocation to become another questionable government expenditure that lacks oversight.
BOSA remains committed to fighting corruption and wasteful spending and will continue to push for budgets that serve the real needs of the people—not politically driven handouts.
Media Statement by
Roger Solomons: BOSA Acting Spokesperson
Tuesday 25 March 2025
Media Enquiries:
Roger Solomons – BOSA Acting Spokesperson – 072 299 3551