Guvamatanga unable to account for US$30.8 million ...

Guvamatanga unable to account for US$30.8 million sugar tax

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The government has failed to explain how it used the US$30.8 million from the special surtax levied on sugar content in beverages since its introduction early this year.

Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga, revealed the amount collected in a letter to lawyers representing the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights .

ZADHR had requested information on the total amount of sugar tax collected by the government and which cancer drugs and equipment had been procured and the list of hospitals to which these had been distributed.

Guvamatanga in his letter saiid that the procurement of drugs and medical equipment is done under the purview of the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and referred ZADHR to the Douglas Mombeshora-led ministry for further information.

The sugar tax was introduced in February 2024, with the government claiming that it was aimed at discouraging people from consuming too much sugar, which it blamed for causing some forms of cancer and funds generated from the levy would be ring-fenced for therapy and procurement of cancer equipment.

In his 2025 Budget proposal Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube indicated that government is adjusting the sugar tax and noow targeting fast foods and sports betting winnings to boost its revenue base and sustainably improve the publi healthcare system.