‘Sugar taxes work. Ours should be doubled’ – health journalist

John Maytham (in for Lester Kiewit on CapeTalk) speaks with Joan van Dyk, independent health journalist.

Listen below.

The sugar tax, or Health Promotion Levy (HPL), requires manufacturers to pay for every gram of sugar per 100ml.

The first four grams of sugar are tax free.

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Ahead of last week’s mini budget speech, the sugar industry published an open letter for the tax to be scrapped or at the very least remain unchanged.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana did not mention the levy in this speech but previously announced a potential 10% increase in the sugar tax in 2025.

This is still short of the 20% rate recommended by public health researchers.

Van Dyk says the sugar tax did work initially but the push back from the industry has weakened the levy significantly.

“It has not been adjusted for inflation in five years, which means it has lost its power.” 

- Joan van Dyk, independent health journalist

The industry is using this as evidence that the levy does not work and should be scrapped.

However, Van Dyk believes it should rather be doubled to be effective.

She says there is undeniable evidence around the world that sugar taxes work and do not have a negative impact on employment.

“Diabetes was the second highest cause of death in South Africa after tuberculosis. There is a reason to make a change.”

- Joan van Dyk, independent health journalist

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.