Thank Treasury for putting health over profits

The beverage industry is furious that our people powered campaign beat their attempts to stop the sugary drinks tax. But with a recession and a new Finance Minister, greedy companies will be fighting to pay less tax.This week, as we observe World Obesity Week, we have an opportunity to send Treasury a message they may not be expecting. A thank you.If we come together and send enough thank you messages, we could counter any attempts by the beverage industry to pressure Treasury to not increase the sugary drinks tax, and instead remind them that they are accountable to us, the people, not corporations.

Together we ensured a 11% sugary drinks tax as a start. However we need to keep working towards a 20% tax if we are to have a real impact [1]. We are reaching crisis point with obesity and type 2 diabetes on the rise especially amongst young people. Studies show that obesity among young people has doubled in the last six years and obese children have a 70% chance of being obese adults [3].The risks of obesity include diabetes, hypertension, heart and kidney diseases [3].

[1] Sugar tax could save South Africa billions by James Thabo Molelekwa for Health-E News. April 21, 2016

[2] Mexico’s sugar tax leads to fall in consumption for second year running, The Guardian. February 22, 2017

[3] Obesity in young South Africans doubles in six years by Nico Gous, Sunday Times.
03 January 2018