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
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 master plan to rescue the industry means that at least 80% of sugar consumption will come from South African farms and millers
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
They want to weigh up the cost of lost jobs but others say health costs will hurt even more
A sedentary lifestyle, too little sleep and poor diet also contribute to an overweight society.
A can of Coke will soon cost 46c more but will help reduce the national health bill and raise revenue
The threatened loss of a national icon, and the jobs that go with it, illustrates simply why a tax on sweetened drinks is such a divisive issue.
The fight over the pros and cons of a proposed tax on sugar-sweetened drinks is set to be a sticky one.
Our obese nation could be slimmed down and help limit chronic diseases such heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.
Major studies have established a link between a high sugar intake and coronary heart disease.
The government and beverage titans are heading for a showdown over sugar tax in soft drinks.
Discovery has weighed in on the debate, saying incentives can encourage healthier consumer choices.
Readers write in about othering, sugar tax, local content, and nuclear energy.
The proposed levy on sweetened beverages is a shaky way of controlling the nation’s obesity and disease rates.
