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ActionSA has written to the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, requesting formal inclusion in the national task team established to combat illicit trade.

Illicit trade has now been acknowledged in last year’s Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, this year’s State of the Nation Address and Budget 2026, a clear sign that sustained parliamentary pressure is yielding results. However, acknowledgment must now translate into measurable enforcement outcomes and meaningful revenue recovery.

Illicit trade costs South Africa billions in lost revenue annually, undermines compliant businesses, destroys jobs, and weakens the rule of law. At a time when government faces severe fiscal constraints, every rand lost to the illicit economy represents either higher taxes on law-abiding citizens or reduced public services.

ActionSA’s request to participate in the task team is made in a constructive and non-partisan spirit. Combating illicit trade is a national priority that transcends party politics. Our intention is to contribute expertise, strengthen oversight, and ensure that the task team operates with clear targets, transparent reporting, and measurable impact.

South Africans deserve to know what revenue recovery targets have been set, which departments and entities are accountable, and how progress will be reported to Parliament.

ActionSA will continue to pursue these questions through parliamentary mechanisms to ensure that this initiative becomes more than an announcement. The fight against illicit trade must deliver tangible fiscal and enforcement results.

Where government is serious about revenue collection and economic fairness, ActionSA stands ready to assist.

Issued by ActionSA Member of Parliament Alan Beesley