Sugar Tax

The government says the ailing company is a crucial player in South Africa’s sugar value chain and its demise would have ‘far-reaching and devastating consequences’ for the sector

At the UN General Assembly high-level meeting in New York next week, South Africa is expected to join other countries in signing a watered down declaration meant to curb diseases…

If the food labelling regulations under review are enacted, bold warning signs on packaging will let shoppers identify foods high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats

Under SA’s latest proposed food labelling regulations, 100% fruit juices won’t have to show a high sugar warning because their sugars are “naturally occurring”

The sugar industry says new regulations aimed at combating health problems will hurt profits and jobs, but a civil society coalition strongly disagrees

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a postponement of the sugar tax for 12 months

The financial and public health cost of diabetes, as well as diabetes-related blindness and kidney failures, is being overlooked, health advocates say

The government and stakeholders will have to work harder to ensure the industry adapts and thrives

The master plan to rescue the industry means that at least 80% of sugar consumption will come from South African farms and millers

Buying local sugar allows black farmers to sustain their own families and others

NGO Heala is asking for the health-promotion levy to be hiked, while also dismissing claims by the sugar industry that this will cause job losses

The sugar tax is helping to reduce obesity and its related diseases in South Africa

Treasury is coining it as South Africans continue to shell out for their favourite sugary drinks

Expect to fork out for budget shortfalls, free education and Eskom, but interest rates, fuel and food could provide some relief

But health groups say the sector’s enduring woes have nothing to do with the sugar tax