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The Herald, 1 August, 1981
SALISBURY people yesterday gave the Budget a mixed reception. But most people interviewed in a Herald survey complained about two measures – the petrol price rise and sales tax increases.
The price of petrol will have a snowball effect and increase the cost of all modes of transport, people said.
One man commented: “They say it is not going to affect the man-in-the-street, but some of us use car lifts and will have to pay more than we used to.”
Another said: “The rise in the price of petrol will bring about a vicious circle.”
A businessman said the petrol price rise was probably the heaviest blow and would affect everybody.
On the Budget in general, he added: “It is like medicine. When you are ill you need medicine even if it is not palatable. Perhaps we need it. It is not palatable. It is difficult to swallow.”
A shop owner said he thought the budget was “fair”. He was not worried about increased cost of petrol and commented: “Petrol is rather like beer. They put it up and people stop for a while and then they go back to it.”
One man was pleased with the Budget, but said: “It should have done something to take the profits from the big companies.”
A bank employee said: “I feel it is fair. There was no other way for Mr Nkala. He needs the money.”
When asked about the increased sales tax, a businessman said: “The extra 2 percent sales tax cover everybody, rich and poor alike.”
A PTC employee said: “The 2 percent sales tax makes everybody pay towards Government expenditure, not only the high-income group. The tax will spread the burden.”
One couple was not concerned about the cut in the holiday allowance, as they said that with a family, they could only afford to go overseas every two years anyway.
One man on his return from a holiday abroad was told by his travel agent that he could not take another holiday for two years and said that he felt “imprisoned”, while an engineer said: “Since inflation overseas is very high, the holiday allowance is going to be insufficient.”
LESSONS FOR TODAY
The country had just gained independence, and there were high expectations for economic growth and development. However, the budget presented by the Government did not fully address the pressing economic issues faced by the population.
Political considerations also played a role in shaping public perceptions of the budget. The budgetary decisions made by the Government were scrutinised through political lenses, with different factions interpreting them based on their own interests and ideologies. This politicisation of budgetary matters contributed to divergent views among the public regarding the government’s fiscal policies.
Higher fuel costs may reduce dis
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