Hon Chairperson and fellow South Africans, the DA accept the reality of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and of course the associated consequences thereof. As the DA, we have consistently
held the view that there should be no increases in taxation and that instead, there should be decreases in taxation in order of course to stimulate the economy for those that you can then comprehend.
This Carbon Tax Bill does not consider the country's state of economic development as well as its global contribution to greenhouse emissions. Eskom's coal-fired power stations remain the single biggest carbon emitter and while they will largely be exempted from this tax, Eskom cannot even in the medium term afford any additional costs whatsoever.
We believe the first period until 2022 should then be considered a trial, not only to adjust risen tax-free thresholds, but to re-evaluate the need for the carbon tax in South Africa's carbon reduction strategy.
We remain very concerned indeed that the revenue from carbon tax will also not necessarily be channelled back for specific environmental use. Who knows colleagues? Who knows? Perhaps it will also be used to bailout Eskom again, ANC's style. It should be noted that the corporations and businesses are opposed to the Carbon Tax Bill because of the negative impact it will have on how businesses operate and their abilities to create jobs. This Bill does not allow for companies to
achieve 100% tax free status. The DA therefore does not support the Bill. I thank you, Chair.