BONUS - RUSTENBURG - World Diabetes Day was celebrated on Friday, 14 November, and civil society organisations warn that the cost of inaction on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes is already being paid for in lives, livelihoods and lost potential. The Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) has called on the South African government to increase the Health Promotion Levy (HPL) on sugary drinks from 11% to 20%, to help curb sugary drinks consumption and reduce the financial burden on the health system.
“Diabetes is the second leading cause of death in South Africa, yet every year we allow preventable diseases to claim more lives,” says Nzama Mbalati, Chief Executive Officer of HEALA. “Raising the Health Promotion Levy is one of the simplest, most effective steps government can take to protect people’s health, especially children, who are consuming sugar at dangerous levels.”
Since the introduction of the HPL in 2018, beverage companies have reduced the sugar content of their drinks, leading to cuts in average per-capita sugar consumption. But the gains have stalled. South Africa’s obesity rate is already twice the global average, and even one sugary drink a week raises a child’s risk of obesity and diabetes. One in four diabetes cases in the country is caused by sugary drink consumption.
The economic toll is equally alarming. Treating obesity related conditions such as diabetes costs South Africa more than R33 billion each year. Modelling by Priceless SA shows that increasing the levy could save approximately 72 000 lives and prevent 85 000 strokes over two decades.
HEALA’s new national campaign calls for stronger health taxes across sugary drinks, alcohol and tobacco and for this increase to be part of a consistent, evidence-based approach to protecting lives. Diabetes silently devastates families, especially in low-income communities where affordable, healthy food and clean water remain scarce.
Health advocates, researchers and civil society organisations say the HPL is a health tax designed to save lives, prevent disease and safeguard South Africa’s future.
Diabetes and other NCDs already account for over 50% of deaths in South Africa. Without decisive fiscal measures, the burden will continue to fall on the households least able to bear it.
HEALA is urging citizens to join the call by signing the petition and demanding that government increase the HPL to 20%. “We have the evidence, we have the stories, and we have the will,” concludes Tyelbooi. “Now we need action.”
* Sign the petition at www.heala.org
