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The Minister of Finance established the Davis Tax Committee (DTC) in 2013 to inquire into the role of the tax system in the promotion of inclusive economic growth, employment creation, development and fiscal sustainability. In doing so, the committee will take into account recent domestic and international developments and, particularly, the long term objectives of the National Development Plan.

The committee is also required to take into account broad tax policy objectives like:

• Revenue-raising to fund government expenditure is the primary objective of taxation;
• Social objectives like building a cohesive and inclusive society can be met partially through a progressive tax system and a redistribution of resources.

As specifically mandated in its Terms of Reference, the DTC is required to evaluate proposals to fund, for example, the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) and long term infrastructure projects to boost the growth potential of the economy.

The Department of Health released a White Paper entitled Health Insurance for South Africa: Towards Universal Coverage in December 2015. Chapter 7 is of particular interest to the DTC as it discusses various proposals to finance the proposed NHI. The White Paper can be viewed in its entirety on the website of the National Department of Health by following the link http://www.health.gov.za/index.php/2014-03-17-09-09-38

The DTC has adopted an approach that is participatory and consultative. This will provide for wide engagement with all stakeholders. Special dialogue sessions are arranged on an ongoing basis to take into account a diversity of interests and opinions.

Accordingly the DTC hereby invites written submissions by 14 October 2016 on the funding of the NHI as proposed in Chapter 7 of the White Paper on the NHI. This will be followed by a workshop for oral submissions in support of the written submissions on
01 November 2016.

Kindly send all written submissions by e-mail to taxcom@sars.gov.za or by post to
PO Box 2344, Brooklyn Square, Pretoria, 0075 and indicate if an oral submission will be necessary to support a written submission.

More details on the DTC and the work that it has done so far can be found on the website
www.taxcom.org.za

Issued by Davis Tax Committee