Rights Doctors Question Government Transparency Over Sugar Tax Revenue

The government faces mounting pressure from human rights doctors demanding transparency about funds raised from the controversial sugar tax. Concerns grow over whether the money serves its intended purpose.

The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has invoked the Freedom of Information Act to request clarity on the matter. Their legal representatives recently wrote to the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion, seeking detailed accounts.

Specifically, the doctors demand an update on the total revenue collected under Statutory Instrument 16/24, introduced earlier this year. They also want an inventory of cancer drugs and equipment purchased and details on hospital distributions.

George Guvamatanga, the ministry’s permanent secretary, confirmed receipt of the request. He assured the doctors that a formal response would be provided within the legally stipulated timeframe.

The sugar tax, announced in the 2024 national budget, was introduced as a health initiative to combat the rising prevalence of cancer. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube proposed a levy of $0.02 per gram of sugar in beverages, later revising it due to backlash from manufacturers.

Amid heated debates, the tax rate was reduced to $0.002 per gram and is set to drop further to $0.0005 from January 2025. Despite the tax being operational since February, exact figures on collections remain largely opaque.

However, media reports from July indicated that the tax had generated over $8 million. This figure was later contradicted by Ncube, who, in September, told Parliament that cumulative collections had reached $18 million.

During a parliamentary session, Ncube disclosed that first-quarter collections amounted to ZiG7.9 million, with cumulative revenue totaling ZiG248.9 million, equivalent to $18 million. He pledged that funds would be allocated to procuring cancer treatment resources.

Health Minister Mombeshora, in earlier comments, confirmed the availability of $8 million for cancer-related initiatives. He emphasized plans to prioritize the procurement of critical cancer treatment machines, supplies, and drugs.

The timeline for these procurements remains uncertain, sparking skepticism among the public and healthcare professionals. Treasury insists efforts are underway to expedite processes in collaboration with the Health and Child Care Ministry.

The sugar tax aimed to address Zimbabwe’s growing healthcare challenges, but questions about accountability persist. Observers argue that clear communication is essential to maintain public trust and ensure that funds meet their intended purpose.

As stakeholders await detailed disclosures, the controversy surrounding sugar tax revenue underscores the importance of financial transparency in public health initiatives. Whether the government delivers on its promises remains to be seen.

The Zim Bulletin