Scrap the sugar tax that harms black women canegrowers in particular - Scrapping the sugar tax is a far simpler intervention than land reform and would make a meaningful difference in women growers’ lives
. It would go a long way to restoring local sugar demand, enabling women growers to earn more money locally rather than competing on an oversupplied global market. This in turn will allow women to build up reserve funds that they can rely on in the absence of support from financial institutions. Scrapping the sugar tax, then, is the key to the financial sustainability of women’s cane growing operations.
Moreover, with the extra revenue the state is enjoying as a result of high commodity prices, the revenue lost by scrapping the sugar tax will not adversely affect South Africans at all. Rather, scrapping the tax will help the country not only financially as the industry recovers and grows, but also in terms of health.
Finally, scrapping the sugar tax will buy the government time to initiate research to determine the actual causes of rising obesity without compromising the one million livelihoods the sugar industry supports in the interim. It will also allow the country to create a holistic intervention plan that does not scapegoat one industry.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why SA should scrap foreign exchange controls | CitypressTreasury and the SA Reserve Bank should scrap foreign exchange controls because they deter foreign investment and impede trade, says Professor Brian Benfield, a retired lecturer in economics.
Read more »
South Africa could scrap e-tolls this week – and pay for it with a petrol hike: economistsFinance minister Enoch Godongwana is expected to provide clarity on Gauteng’s e-toll scheme in his inaugural budget address on Wednesday (23 February).
Read more »
Sasol scraps dividend as weak rand and operational challenges biteSurging energy prices offset poor coal availability and volatility in the group's half year to end-December
Read more »
Godongwana urged not to raise excise tax as group worried about illicit alcoholThe National Liquor Traders Organisation believes aggressive excise tax increases on alcohol have boosted the illicit liquor trade.
Read more »
Eskom security guards bust at scrapyard with stolen copper cablesTwo scrap metal dealers and three Eskom security guards have been arrested in connection with stolen aluminium and copper cables in the Free State.
Read more »