The tax on sugary drinks was among several health measures announced as part of the government’s 2017/18 budget.
Finance minister, Pravin Gordhan, said the tax would be implemented later this year once details have been finalized and legislation is passed.
“The World Health Organization fully supports the Government of South Africa’s commitment to implement a tax on sugary drinks as part of its ongoing drive to improve the health of its people and address the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs),” said Dr Rufaro Chatora, WHO’s representative to South Africa.
