DA opposes sugar tax while others call for it to be widened
The tax has caused job losses and is doing more harm than good, the DA says
20 January 2025 - 16:03
The DA is pinning its hopes on its representation within the government of national unity (GNU) to lobby for a change in policy towards the health promotion levy (sugar tax), which it believes should be scrapped entirely, or at least not increased.
The levy was introduced in 2018 to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks in a bid to deal with SA’s obesity problem, which results in a range of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes. It is estimated 68% of women and 31% of men in SA are overweight or obese, the treatment of which costs the health system billions of rand annually. ..
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.