Sugar tax a sweet deal for FAWU
The Food and Allied Workers Union - FAWU - has welcomed the Finance Minister's announcement that more discussions will be held before the so-called sugar tax is implemented.
The union's Ernest Mmako says the food and sugar industries had previously raised concern that a sugar tax would lead to higher production costs, job losses and revenue decreases - among other things.
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"Our concerns can also be taken care of before implementation of the sugar tax," he said.
During his Budget Speech yesterday, Pravin Gordhan announced that the tax has been revised to now include 100% fruit juices - along with sweetened beverages.
The proposed tax will likely be implemented this year - once the legislation's been finalised.
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Meanwhile, Gordhan's been speaking at a New Age breakfast briefing this morning - where he's issued a warning to corrupt officials.
"Why is the Treasury suddenly so important? Why is delivery of water or basic education or health services or infrastructure not just as important - because there's a whole lot of other departments that impact on an everyday basis on people's lives," he said.
He added that those with ulterior motives to pocket public funds - should be exposed.