FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday explained that the sugar content tax announced in the 2024 National Budget is for added sugar in specified beverages, excluding natural sugar.
In a statement yesterday, Ncube, however, accused some stakeholders of misrepresenting facts. “Government wishes to categorically state that the tax does not apply on sugar in general, hence, should not be misinterpreted as affecting ordinary consumption. Producers of sugar are, thus, not affected.
“Specifically, the tax is applied on the added sugar in specified beverages, excluding natural sugar, with a view to encourage responsible consumption of sugar contained therein. It is scientifically proven that excessive consumption of added sugar in beverages is linked to increased risk of non-communicable diseases,” Ncube said.