Daily news update: Sars collects more than R2 trillion, G4S wants to speak out and food prices

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Daily news update: 4 April

Sars collects more than R2 trillion and pays out record R381 billion

Sars collected and paid out the largest amounts ever since its inception in the past financial year. It collected R2.068 trillion and paid out R381.1 billion according to its preliminary revenue collection results for the 2022/2023 financial year, reflecting a significant growth trajectory over the past few years.

The net collection after payment of refunds is R1.68 trillion, an increase of 7.9% compared to the 2022 amount of R1 563.8 billion. The 2023 gross amount of R2.068 trillion is 9.7% more than the R1.885 trillion collected in 2022, while the refunds paid is an increase of 18.7% compared to the amount of R321.1 billion paid out in 2022.

READ MORE: Sars collects more than R2 trillion and pays out record R381 billion

G4S requests to appear before parliament to address Thabo Bester matter

G4S, the security company which manages the Mangaung maximum security prison, says it has written to parliament’s portfolio committee on justice and correctional services requesting a formal invitation to appear before the committee.

The portfolio committee on justice and correctional services will meet with the department of correctional services (DSC) on Tuesday to be briefed on Facebook rapist Thabo Bester’s escape.

READ MORE: G4S requests to appear before parliament to address Thabo Bester matter

Basic food basket prices still increasing, hurting the poor

The latest food basket data shows food prices are still increasing and it is hurting poor people who already have to fork out more money for transport and electricity, further affecting their ability to buy nutritious food for their families.

According to the March 2023 Household Affordability Index of the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group, which tracks food price data from 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Springbok the average cost of the household food basket was R4 966.20, which was R37.87 (0,8%) more than the R4 928.34 in February.

READ MORE: Basic food basket prices still increasing, hurting the poor

Committee slammed for allowing Mkhwebane’s hearing to proceed without her lawyers

The Section 194 inquiry into the removal of suspended public protector (PP) Busisiwe Mkhwebane could be on the verge of running into a legal wall if she doesn’t have Constitutional Court-mandated legal representation.

This has already cost the Office of the Public Protector about R26.2 million in the 2022-23 financial year.

READ MORE: Committee slammed for allowing Mkhwebane’s hearing to proceed without her lawyers

Zwane reveals difficulty he has endured as Chiefs coach

Injuries to prominent players and suspensions have made the job very difficult for Arthur Zwane at Kaizer Chiefs. 

ALSO READ: Zwane laments Chiefs’ second half performance in Stellies win

In almost every game, Zwane has had to make forced changes which has led to the team failing to find its rhythm. 

READ MORE: Zwane reveals difficulty he has endured as Chiefs coach