The recently established Health Tax Alliance is calling on the government to impose higher taxes on sugary drinks, alcohol, and tobacco to curb overconsumption and reduce strain on the public healthcare system.
The alliance argues that higher taxes on these products could alleviate rising health costs associated with lifestyle diseases. Diabetes treatment alone currently costs the government R2.7 billion annually, a figure projected to soar to R35 billion by 2030 if preventative measures aren’t taken.
Russel Rensburg, a representative of the alliance, emphasized the impact of tobacco, sugar, and alcohol on the healthcare budget. "We believe tax policy is a critical tool for public health," he said, noting that increasing taxes on these items could help reduce demand and encourage healthier choices.