Western Cape High Court dismisses EFF’s urgent application against fuel levy increase, igniting national debate over taxation, representation, and economic justice.
In a huge legal blow to EFF, the WC High Court has dismissed the party’s urgent application to halt the implementation of the recent fuel levy increase. The decision, handed down on Tuesday, 3 June 2025, comes at a time when South African motorists are already grappling with mounting fuel prices and a broader economic downturn.
The EFF brought the matter before the court on grounds that the fuel levy increase constituted “taxation without representation,” branding it as arbitrary and unconstitutional. The court, however, dismissed the application with costs, citing insufficient grounds for urgent relief and a lack of constitutional infringement under current legislative frameworks.
EFF: Fighting for the Poor and Working Class
In a strongly worded statement following the court’s decision, the EFF reiterated its stance, asserting that all forms of general taxation must be subject to direct votes by elected public representatives in parliament.
“We maintain that taxation without representation is arbitrary and unconstitutional and leaves room for abuse by the National Treasury, which is becoming increasingly desperate in the face of a collapsing economy,” said the party.
The EFF emphasized that it had approached the court “in defence of the poor and the working class,” alleging that these groups have been abandoned by the ruling ANC, which the party described as having lost touch with its liberation roots.
Parliamentary Pushback to Follow
While the legal avenue may have temporarily stalled, the EFF vowed to take its battle to parliament. The party announced it will introduce amendments to relevant legislation aimed at ensuring that the National Assembly cannot bypass parliamentary processes when implementing tax changes in the future.
“The EFF will use its parliamentary presence to introduce necessary amendments to prevent taxation without proper democratic oversight.”
This legislative approach underscores the EFF’s long-term strategy of shifting the locus of power back into public hands, as it continues to position itself as the voice of economic justice amid a growing affordability crisis in South Africa.
Fuel Levy and the Bigger Picture
The fuel levy increase, part of the National Treasury’s strategy to stabilise revenue amid economic pressure, has been met with widespread public frustration. Rising transportation costs are expected to trigger inflationary pressures, affecting food prices, commuter fares, and goods delivery—a domino effect felt most sharply by low-income South Africans.
The court’s ruling, while favouring the Treasury, has ignited a national debate about democratic representation, transparency, and the limits of executive power in fiscal decisions.
Next Steps
The EFF has not ruled out further legal action. The party confirmed that it will study the judgment in detail and consider additional avenues, possibly taking the matter to the Constitutional Court or lobbying for a judicial review of the parliamentary tax authority.
For now, the fuel levy hike will proceed, but the public conversation is far from over. The court’s decision may have settled one dispute, but the political and socio-economic debate around fair taxation and public accountability is only just beginning.
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