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Deputy President Paul Mashatile speaks during a church service.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is confident that the team deployed to discuss ways to avoid the VAT increase will bring positive feedback.
Mashatile joined the Assemblies of God Congregation in Thaba Nchu, Free State, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, for the Good Friday service.
He was accompanied by officials from the national and provincial governments, as well as the Moroka Royal family and African National Congress provincial officials.
Mashatile has appealed to the church to pray for those in authority who are tasked with the responsibility of leading the country.
This comes amid discussions on ways to avoid the VAT increase, which is set to be implemented on 1 May if parties fail to come up with other fiscal measures.
“I think so far, they have met all the parties that have agreed to come, so we will know by Monday where to – but I’m positive that we will find a solution.”
This morning, together with ANC NEC and PEC leaders in the Free State we visited the Assemblies of God in Thaba Nchu as part of our visits to churches this Easter.
The church has an important role to play in our communities, strengthening social cohesion and promoting good… pic.twitter.com/Hqz1y9b9uq
— Paul Mashatile🇿🇦 (@PMashatile) April 18, 2025
Asked what would happen if the parties in the VAT negotiations do not agree, Mashatile says there are always other options to consider.
“There are always options. What we are looking forward to is that they will say these are the options, which direction do we take, but we will find the solution.”
Mashatile says that as part of his responsibilities, he will intensify co-operation between the government and churches. He has emphasised that the church has a critical role to play in the development of society.
“So it’s not just a church where you come on a Sunday, you pray to God and leave. They are involved with communities and that’s how we are going to partner with them. We are also going to work with Kgosi to look at the developments in this area, as the national government and provincial government, the premier is also here. So we have agreed that we have to focus on development working with the church,” adds Mashatile.
Mashatile, who is also deployed by the ANC in Mangaung, earlier met with the Mangaung region and the Provincial Executive Committee during his visit.
Mashatile in Thaba Nchu for Good Friday service:
