MPs call for government intervention in embattled sugar industry
Parliament’s trade and industry committee has called on trade and industry minister to intervene in whatever way possible to address the crisis-hit industry
Parliament’s trade and industry committee has called on trade and industry minister Rob Davies and other cabinet ministers to immediately intervene in whatever way possible to address the crisis in the sugar industry. The industry has been hit with cheap imports and the health promotion levy (sugary beverages tax), which has lowered the volume of sugar used by soft drink manufacturers. It has also been affected by a severe drought in KwaZulu-Natal over the past three years, which has cost the industry an estimated R2bn. The committee agreed to call for a ministerial intervention during a meeting on Tuesday, rejecting a counter proposal by DA trade and industry spokesperson Dean Macpherson that a joint meeting be held with the departments of agriculture and rural development to address the crisis. ANC MPs said there was no slot available on the committee’s busy agenda to include such a meeting ahead of the closing down of parliament on March 20 to prepare for the elections on May 8. ...
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