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To: Parliament

Send Parliament a message that you support a strong sugary drinks tax

We call on you, the leaders of South Africa, to put the health of all South Africans first by implementing a strong sugary drink tax. South Africans are facing a health epidemic linked to obesity, and this tax is the first step in addressing that head on.

I strongly support a tax that covers all the sugar in all sugary drinks in order to be more effective in reducing consumption and related disease.

Results from similar taxes passed in Mexico and California show they curb the consumption of unhealthy beverages in ways that improve health and do not result in jobs losses.

We hope that you will listen to everyday South Africans during this comment period, over the vested corporate interests who are trying to use their influence to derail the sugar tax. Our nation’s health is at stake.

Why is this important?

Our nation’s health is in crisis and Sugary drinks are one of the most significant contributors to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, liver and kidney damage, and some cancers that are on the rise globally and in South Africa.

The South African Parliament is currently considering a sugary drinks tax, that is a critical first step to reducing sugary drinks consumption and curbing obesity and related diseases. But greedy beverage companies have been lobbying Parliament to water down the sugary drinks tax.

That’s why Parliament MUST hear from YOU to make sure the final policy is strong and effective in reducing consumption of harmful sugary drinks.

Tackling obesity-related diseases needs to be a national priority, and the proposed tax on sugary drinks is a first step in addressing this national epidemic.
South Africa is already ranked the most obese country in sub-Saharan Africa. Excess sugar consumption is a major cause of obesity and its related diseases, as excessive sugar intake causes increased risk of diabetes, liver and kidney damage, heart disease, and some cancers. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Cancer Research Fund recommend that people should consume no more than 10% of total calories from sugar.

The South African government has been under pressure from beverage companies and retail groups who have been flooding Parliament and Treasury with comments to stop this live-saving policy or weaken it with exemptions and loopholes—and they are having an impact.

The South African government MUST put the health of South Africans before special interests who target the most vulnerable populations with their unhealthy products. Please make your voice heard today!

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Updates

2017-04-01 14:20:56 +0200

The deadline for public submissions has now closed, however you can still join the campaign to be kept up to date as we monitor the implementation of the Sugary Drinks Tax by the new Finance Minister Gigaba.

2017-03-29 11:11:25 +0200

1,000 signatures reached

2017-03-27 14:04:11 +0200

500 signatures reached