/ 14 July 2004

Taxpayers make Mbeki happy

President Thabo Mbeki said on Wednesday that the increasing levels of tax compliance amongst South Africans gives government more resources to improve the lives of the poor.

The South African Revenue Services received 1,9-million tax returns after last week’s deadline.

In a statement released on Wednesday, presidential spokesperson Bheki Khumalo said Mbeki has noted with appreciation the increasing levels of tax compliance.

”The enthusiastic response among the population, including many first-time taxpayers, not only improves the possibility of more resources being available for the programme of government to improve the lives of South Africans,” the statement said.

It also bodes well for entrenching a culture of responsibility while exercising the rights democracy has brought. — Sapa