South Africa's fight over VAT raises a key question: who should bear the burden of taxes?

The article examines South Africa's contentious 2018 VAT increase, reigniting debate over who should bear tax burdens. As a regressive levy, VAT disproportionately impacts low-income households, drawing criticism in a nation marked by stark inequality. While proponents argue it boosts revenue for public services, opponents counter that it deepens poverty and inequity. The conflict underscores broader tensions between fiscal pragmatism and social justice, raising critical questions about progressive taxation's role in addressing systemic wealth disparities and equitable burden-sharing.