This year could bring help to millions of poor South African families struggling to feed themselves and their children if the application for VAT-free chicken is approved by the government.
FairPlay has campaigned since 2018 for the removal of the 15% value added tax (VAT) from the chicken products favoured by low-income households.
The campaign was boosted in 2024 when President Cyril Ramaphosa said the new government of national unity intended to remove VAT from additional essential food items. As a result, the SA Poultry Association (SAPA) submitted a formal proposal to the government, focusing on exempting frozen bone-in chicken and fresh and frozen chicken offal products.
If the application is approved, it would bring immediate relief to poor consumers who have battled with rising food prices since VAT-free chicken was refused in 2018. Because of that refusal, for the past six years they have paid an additional 15% on the chicken products which provide essential protein and vitamins to them and their children.
They will be hoping that this year will be different.
The result of the application should be known when the 2025 budget is presented next month.
