The Democratic Alliance has reopened the debate regarding tax on books.

The party said on Wednesday it wanted Value Added Tax on books to be abolished.

It said doing so would boost literacy levels countrywide.

The DA said it would lobby Parliament to get the ball rolling on a zero VAT rate on books.

Books are taxed at the standard rate of 14 percent.

The party added having access to books would mean more South Africans would have access to educational materials.

Party MP Deon George said the country was in a better position now to afford the move.

He added in the short term there would be a significant cost to the economy but in the end it would promote literacy and learning.

George said it would be instrumental in the fight against poverty.