In February, the Minister of Finance, Pravin Gordhan announced that a sugar tax will be levied on all sugar-sweetened beverages from 1 April next year in an effort to reduce the excessive sugar intake of the average South African.
The sugar tax will be levied on beverages with a high sugar content and no nutritional value, but 100 per cent fruit juice and milk products are excluded. Based on the current available price and the sugar content of soft drinks, the estimated tax on sugar-sweetened beverages would be about R2,29 per litre.
The Record asked residents how they feel about this and if it would change their buying habits and sugar intake.
This is what they had to say:
Marlene Botha feels government is already taxing us to death, but this will not stop her from buying soft drinks, especially Coca-Cola, as this her favorite drink.
Vince Mushonga felt that it would definitely make him buy fewer sugary drinks – he would rather buy something cheaper, such as a juice or water.
Themba Mafafo welcomes the sugar tax, but feels the government should run an awareness campaign to keep people informed. He feels manufacturers should pay an additional tax for adding too much sugar to beverages as this will ensure that the law is enforced.
Ipeleng Sekano is a self-proclaimed ‘sugar junkie’, but she would definitely think twice before paying more for her sugared happiness. She said she feels government should concentrate on promoting exercise and providing exercise facilities rather than increasing tax on sugared beverages.
Beaula Jones welcomed the sugar tax, as she felt it would indeed reduce sugar intake. She said sugared beverages contribute greatly to obesity. That is why she only drinks fruit juice and lots of water.
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