Current Affairs
Sugar Tax Funds Cancer Treatment in Zimbabwe
By Staff Reporter
The newly introduced sugar tax on beverages has generated ZiG248.9 million (approximately US$18 million) to fund cancer drugs and equipment, Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube announced in the National Assembly.
In response to Emakhendeni-Luveve legislator Descent Bajila, Prof Ncube revealed that ZiG7.9 million of tax was collected in the first quarter. He confirmed that, “Treasury is working with the Ministry of Health to expedite the procurement of cancer treatment machines and medications for hospitals.”
The sugar surtax, initially set at US$0.002 per gram, was reduced following concerns from producers and retailers. Rising cancer cases in Zimbabwe – particularly prostate cancer in men and cervical cancer in women – underscore the urgency of these initiatives.
Additionally, the Ministry of Mines is developing a corporate social responsibility policy to require mining companies to benefit local communities before receiving licenses, as stated by Deputy Minister Polite Kambamura.