Sugar industry wants levy scrapped

JOHANNESBURG - The South African Canegrowers Association wants the Finance Minister to halt the sugar tax.

Minister Enoch Godongwana will deliver the country's budget on Wednesday.

In addition, the sugar industry says the tax has cost it thousands of jobs and billions in revenue.

SA Cane-Growers CEO Andrew Russell says they have now approached Parliament to intervene.

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"We have engaged with the Minister of DTI and the Minister of Agriculture through the Sugarcane value chain Master Plan to restore the sugar cane industry to a vibrant and diverse future," says Russell.

"But that's taking time and in the meanwhile, we're struggling under the burden of this health promotion levy," he adds.

Russell says they have asked for evidence that it has had a positive effect and none is forthcoming.