Latest news with #R1.49
The Star
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
SA data, airtime too expensive
Concerns over the high costs of data and telephone calls have been raised by various political voices over time. The persistent issue of expensive data and telephone call costs in South Africa requires urgent and meaningful intervention. It has been six years since Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, committed to tackling the "exorbitant" pricing within the communications sector. Regrettably, this commitment has not yet translated into noticeable improvements for consumers. A comparison with other African nations clearly illustrates the price discrepancy. In Ghana, for example, 1 GB of data can be obtained for as little as R1.49, with the highest price point around R23 for the same amount. South African consumers, on the other hand, face considerably steeper charges. To illustrate, Cell C offers 1 GB valid for a single day at R25. Capitec Connect charges R25 for 1 GB valid for a week, and R45 for data without expiry. Even these rates appear more competitive when compared to Vodacom and MTN, both of which charge R89 for 1.2 GB. Further highlighting the disparity, data costs in Nigeria and Brazil are significantly lower, with 1 GB priced at about US$0.39 (R7.12) and US$0.40 (R7.31), respectively. Concerns over these high costs have been raised by various political voices over time. The Inkatha Freedom Party initially called for action, and more recently, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have advocated for the immediate removal of expiry dates for prepaid mobile data and airtime. This underscores the double challenge faced by consumers: high prices coupled with the risk of losing unused data and airtime due to expiration. Promotional offers, such as limited-time WhatsApp data, often force users into intensive, short-term usage to avoid losing their allocation. Until significant reductions in data and call costs are achieved, many South Africans, particularly the youth in both rural and urban areas who are disproportionately affected by these high expenses, will likely continue to feel that the financial burden they face is not being adequately addressed by the relevant authorities.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
SA data, airtime too expensive
Concerns over the high costs of data and telephone calls have been raised by various political voices over time. The persistent issue of expensive data and telephone call costs in South Africa requires urgent and meaningful intervention. It has been six years since Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, committed to tackling the "exorbitant" pricing within the communications sector. Regrettably, this commitment has not yet translated into noticeable improvements for consumers. A comparison with other African nations clearly illustrates the price discrepancy. In Ghana, for example, 1 GB of data can be obtained for as little as R1.49, with the highest price point around R23 for the same amount. South African consumers, on the other hand, face considerably steeper charges. To illustrate, Cell C offers 1 GB valid for a single day at R25. Capitec Connect charges R25 for 1 GB valid for a week, and R45 for data without expiry. Even these rates appear more competitive when compared to Vodacom and MTN, both of which charge R89 for 1.2 GB. Further highlighting the disparity, data costs in Nigeria and Brazil are significantly lower, with 1 GB priced at about US$0.39 (R7.12) and US$0.40 (R7.31), respectively. Concerns over these high costs have been raised by various political voices over time. The Inkatha Freedom Party initially called for action, and more recently, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have advocated for the immediate removal of expiry dates for prepaid mobile data and airtime. This underscores the double challenge faced by consumers: high prices coupled with the risk of losing unused data and airtime due to expiration. Promotional offers, such as limited-time WhatsApp data, often force users into intensive, short-term usage to avoid losing their allocation. Until significant reductions in data and call costs are achieved, many South Africans, particularly the youth in both rural and urban areas who are disproportionately affected by these high expenses, will likely continue to feel that the financial burden they face is not being adequately addressed by the relevant authorities.
IOL News
07-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Lucky Montana fights back against SARS's asset attachment claim
Former Prasa CEO and Member of Parliament Lucky Montana challenges SARS over R46 million tax claim. Image: David Ritchie/ Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana has publicly challenged the SA Revenue Service's (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated. The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority's application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent. SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS's claims. Montana, the former CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of SA (Prasa), vehemently denies owing money to SARS. In a detailed statement issued before Tuesday's court hearing, Montana described the case as a 'personal attack' aimed at humiliating him. 'I don't owe SARS,' Montana declared firmly. 'This matter is aimed at humiliating me and tarnishing my reputation just before the court hearing.' 'The truth is, this case goes back to 2018. The papers in this specific leg of the SARS application are from May 2023, but I want it to be clear—I owe no outstanding amounts to SARS, and I will not be paying SARS any money.' Montana recounts that in 2018, SARS initially contacted him regarding an outstanding tax amount of R1.6 million, which he agreed to pay. 'I informed SARS that I was in the middle of a property sale and would settle the amount once the transfer was complete. I later paid R1.49 million from the proceeds of that sale,' he said. Following this, he said SARS conducted a decade-long retrospective assessment (2009-2019), claiming Montana had undeclared income of R23 million. 'SARS claimed I owed roughly R8 million, but I have made it clear I do not owe them this,' Montana emphasised. 'I have objected to the assessment and believe their calculations are incorrect. I have evidence and legal advice to support my position.' Montana criticised SARS for 'vindictive' actions, including raising taxes on six vehicles financed through hire purchase, which he argues was inconsistent with tax principles. 'SARS said the funds to settle these vehicles did not originate from my account. But standard practice is that dealership settlements are routine, and my legal advisors say SARS's treatment of this is incorrect,' he stated. 'Some of my vehicles were financed and sold at a loss, which should not result in additional tax liabilities.' He also pointed out that SARS targeted him during periods when he was unemployed. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.' Furthermore, he emphasised his commitment to lawful compliance. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.' Cape Argus
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana defends against SARS asset attachment
Former Prasa CEO and Member of Parliament Lucky Montana challenges SARS over R46 million tax claim. Image: David Ritchie/ Former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana and Member of Parliament has publicly challenged the South African Revenue Service's (SARS) application to attach his assets, claiming the tax claim against him is unfounded and politically motivated. The dispute revolves around an R46 million tax assessment SARS sought to recover from Montana. The tax authority's application, filed in the Pretoria High Court, also seeks to declare Montana insolvent. SARS alleges that Montana owes this amount in taxes, penalties, and interest from assessments dating back over a decade. The case is currently before the court, and the proceedings are expected to shed light on the validity of SARS's claims. Montana's Defence and Public Statement Montana, who served as the CEO of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), vehemently denies that he owes SARS any money. In a detailed statement issued before Tuesday's court hearing, Montana described the case as a 'personal attack' aimed at humiliating him. 'I don't owe SARS,' Montana declared firmly. 'This matter is aimed at humiliating me and tarnishing my reputation just before the court hearing.' 'The truth is, this case goes back to 2018. The papers in this specific leg of the SARS application are from May 2023, but I want it to be clear—I owe no outstanding amounts to SARS, and I will not be paying SARS any money.' Key Points in Montana's Response Historical Context: Montana recounts that in 2018, SARS initially contacted him regarding an outstanding tax amount of R1.6 million, which he agreed to pay. 'I informed SARS that I was in the middle of a property sale and would settle the amount once the transfer was complete. I later paid R1.49 million from the proceeds of that sale,' he explained. Disputes Over Assessments: Following this, he stated that SARS conducted a decade-long retrospective assessment (2009-2019), claiming Montana had undeclared income of R23 million. 'SARS claimed I owed roughly R8 million, but I have made it clear I do not owe them this,' Montana emphasised. 'I have objected to the assessment and believe their calculations are incorrect. I have evidence and legal advice to support my position.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Alleged SARS Overreach Montana criticised SARS for 'vindictive' actions, including raising taxes on six vehicles financed through hire purchase, which he argues was inconsistent with tax principles. 'SARS said the funds to settle these vehicles did not originate from my account. But standard practice is that dealership settlements are routine, and my legal advisors say SARS's treatment of this is incorrect,' he stated. 'Some of my vehicles were financed and sold at a loss, which should not result in additional tax liabilities.' He also pointed out that SARS targeted him during periods when he was unemployed. 'Between 2016 and 2024, I was not earning an income, yet SARS assessed me as if I was still earning at the CEO level. I told them this directly, both in writing and in meetings,' Montana asserted. Legal Actions and Court Proceedings Montana recounted that SARS obtained a default judgment of R46 million against him 'without properly serving me or giving me a fair chance to defend myself.' He said, 'I have consistently rejected this default judgment and reserved my rights to challenge it. How the judges of the Tax Court allowed such an injustice to pass is beyond me.' Montana questioned how SARS intends to recover the alleged R52 million. 'I do not have assets or funds to pay such an amount,' he said. 'The assets SARS is targeting do not even come close to covering what they claim I owe. This is more about humiliating me than recovering taxes.' Montana's Broader Perspective Montana emphasised his commitment to lawful compliance. 'I understand my tax obligations, and I pay taxes when legally required to,' he declared. 'But this case is not about tax; it's about abuse of power, illegality, and victimisation by an institution that is supposed to serve the people.' He firmly stated, 'I will not be bullied or victimised. If necessary, I am prepared to defend my legal rights to the Constitutional Court. This is a fight for justice, not just for myself but for all South Africans who believe in the rule of law.'
