According to AWAM MAVIMBELA, writing on March 19, 2025, unemployment directly impacts the state of social welfare. In the lead-up to the budget speech, finance minister Enoch Godongwana cited unemployment as justification for increasing VAT. This decision was made despite Sars commissioner Edward Kieswetter's warning that this approach has historically been ineffective.

Godongwana further asserted that if VAT were not raised, 19,000 teaching jobs would be at risk.

The article emphasizes the importance of supporting independent media, referencing the Sunday Times' role in covering significant stories from World War 1 to contemporary South Africa. It promotes a premium membership for digital access at R80, encouraging readers to support a publication with a long-standing political and social role in South Africa. The membership is cancellable, and contact information is provided for support.

The article concludes by inviting readers to comment, prompting them to sign up or sign in to engage with the content.