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This contradiction should alarm all of us. 

According to UNICEF, around 23% of South African children live in severe food poverty. This means they consume food from only one or two food groups a day and are at significantly higher risk of malnutrition and developmental delays. At the same time, communities are seeing rising levels of childhood obesity, stunting and diet-related illness existing side by side. Furthermore, the percentage of overweight and obesity in children under 5 years rose from 13% in 2016 to 23% in 2024.  

Availability of ultra-processed food

The proliferation of cheap, unhealthy ultra-processed food means that a small packet of crisps from a spaza shop or street vendor costs as little as R3–R5, while a single piece of fruit (a banana or apple) can cost the same or more at a formal retailer. A nutritious home-cooked meal for a child costs considerably more. For many families, the math is stark: ultra-processed snacks are cheaper, closer, and more readily available than fresh food. 

 In one neighbourhood I drive through regularly, children stop after school to buy brightly colored sweets, sugary drinks and cheap snacks from informal traders. Among them is a mother whose two young boys spend most days beside her, eating the same food she sells.  

Across South Africa, millions of households are under immense economic pressure. Social grants remain a critical lifeline for many families, yet rising food prices, unemployment and inequality continue to push nutritious food further out of reach. For many households, the priority is no longer healthy eating; it is about survival.

This piece was published on the 19th of June by Health-e. Click HERE to read the full article.

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For Immediate Release

June 10, 2026 (Johannesburg) — A formidable coalition of global health experts and advocates is demanding FIFA commit to ending its partnership with Coca-Cola by 2030. The Kick Big Soda Out movement has targeted FIFA across major tournaments, where campaigners have accused Coca-Cola of sportswashing its health and environmental harms through stadium branding, broadcasts and social media. Despite sustained pressure, FIFA has failed to respond.

The tension is hard to ignore. Governments worldwide have introduced front-of-package warning labels and health taxes on sugary drinks — measures designed to protect public health and curb consumption of the very products Coca-Cola markets to millions of fans, especially children. FIFA’s commercial partnerships have long drawn scrutiny for the way they stand in direct opposition to these local health policies. Coca-Cola’s prominent presence at FIFA tournaments follows the same playbook — asking these same countries to spotlight one of the world’s biggest sweetened drink companies while sidelining regulations designed to protect public health.

“Sugary drinks are fuelling a global health crisis. Obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease are rising at alarming rates, and Coca-Cola’s aggressive marketing is a driving force behind that. FIFA reaches five billion people through this World Cup and has a responsibility to those fans. Lending that platform to one of the world’s biggest sugary drink companies sends entirely the wrong message. That is exactly why we are demanding FIFA chooses differently, ” says Nomfundo Mbuli Programmes manager at the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA).

Excess sugar consumption drives rising rates of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Big Soda’s aggressive marketing reaches millions, including children, influencing their preferences and purchases.

According to Mbuli “FIFA markets itself as a force for good for children, for communities, for the world. But you cannot champion the health of young people in one breath and sell their attention to the world’s biggest sugary drink company in the next. We are not asking FIFA to choose between football and health – we are asking them to choose both. This is FIFA’s moment to show that football truly belongs to the people – not to the corporations profiting from their ill health.”

Kick Big Soda Out has amassed over 523,000 supporters and the backing of 97 organizations since its launch during the 2024 Paris Olympics. The campaign’s ask is clear: FIFA must use the 2026 World Cup as a turning point, not another missed opportunity.

Join the movement demanding FIFA end its Coca-Cola partnership by 2030 at www.kickbigsodaout.org and use #KickBigSodaOutofSport to join the conversation.

Media Contact: Zukiswa Zimela, HEALA Communications Manager 0745210652 | zukiswa@heala.org

About HEALA: HEALA is a coalition of civil society organisations advocating for equitable access to affordable, nutritious food in South Africa by building a more just food system.

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Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death in South Africa. Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, many consumers still struggle to identify foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats due to complicated nutrition labels and misleading marketing on packaged foods.

Front-of-pack warning labels offer a practical, evidence-based solution. By placing simple to read, highly visible warnings on products that contain excessive levels of nutrients linked to poor health outcomes, such as sodium, these labels empower consumers to make healthier choices quickly and confidently.

South Africa has already demonstrated leadership in public health through progressive policies such as salt reduction regulations.  In 2023 government released for public comment the R3777 Regulations Relating to the Labelling And Advertising of Food Stuff, in acknowledgement of the fact that  stronger consumer information tools are needed to improve the overall health of South Africans, particularly as processed and ultra-processed foods become more common in household diets.

Three years later the regulations have yet to be implemented. 

Research from countries like Chile, that have implemented front-of-pack warning labels shows that these measures can influence purchasing decisions, encourage manufacturers to reformulate products, and improve public understanding of nutrition risks.

South Africa has low nutrition label literacy. A 2011 study in the North West reported that “respondents did not always understand how to use the information on food labels in order to make informed food choices. When scientists quizzed study participants on how well they understood labels, test scores revealed that even frequent readers did not always understand how to use labels to make better food choices.

For South Africa where hypertension affects millions of adults and increasingly impacts younger populations pack warning labels represent an important opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts, reduce healthcare costs, and protect future generations.

HEALA is urging policymakers to ratify mandatory front-of-pack warning labels as part of a comprehensive strategy to combat hypertension and improve nutrition across the country. 

South Africans have a right to know what is in their food. Clear warning labels are not just about information they are about prevention, empowerment, and saving lives.

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HEALA and the Diabetes Alliance hosted a powerful media breakfast unpacking South Africa’s growing diabetes crisis and the urgent need for action through the Johannesburg Declaration. Hosted by Bongiwe Zwane, the conversation brought together leading voices in public health and advocacy, including Nzama Mbalati, Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, and Amanda Mashego. The panel explored the systemic challenges shaping diabetes care in South Africa—from prevention and early detection to stigma, access to treatment, and the need for stronger policy action. With diabetes claiming thousands of lives each year, the discussion called for urgent, coordinated efforts to turn the tide. This media breakfast marks just the beginning. The real work starts now—taking the Johannesburg Declaration beyond the room and into communities across the country.

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Johannesburg-15 April 2026- In a pivotal move toward addressing the escalating diabetes crisis in South Africa, the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA) convened yet another dialogue focused on the challenges faced by the nation’s more than 4 million diabetic population.

This discussion followed the recent finalisation of the Johannesburg Declaration for Accelerated Action on Diabetes and served as a platform to galvanise public and media awareness around this pressing public health issue.

Held at the Southern Sun Hotel in Rosebank, the media breakfast event featured a dynamic panel discussion led by SABC anchor Bongiwe Zwane, alongside HEALA’s CEO, Nzama Mbalati, Dr Patrick Ngassa Piotie, Chairman of the Diabetes Alliance, as well as one of South Africa’s leading diabetes activist, Amanda Mashego.

These experts and stakeholders gathered to deliberate on the widespread implications of diabetes, which is increasingly cited as one of the world’s leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Mbalati, emphasised the vision outlined in the Johannesburg Declaration – a commitment to ensuring that every South African, irrespective of income, geography, gender, or health status, has access to equitable diabetes prevention and care.

“Following last year’s Diabetes Summit, we want to keep the momentum going. The commitments made in the declaration must not be allowed to gather dust,” Mbalati asserted.
Mbalati further highlighted the need for collective society efforts, from government to academia, to confront the diabetes crisis decisively.

Yet despite years of advocacy, government policies and interventions still lag significantly. Experts attending the panel highlighted the urgent need for greater empowerment and support for individuals living with diabetes, with Dr Ngassa Piotie, pointing out that the education given to medical students is inadequate when it comes to understanding the complexities of diabetes management. “There is a danger that we may repeat the same mistakes we made with HIV/Aids treatment. We need to empower communities and ensure that the next generation of healthcare professionals is well-equipped to manage diabetes,” laments Dr Ngassa Piotie.

While there has been a notable decrease in diabetes-related fatalities, from 95,000 in 2021 to just over 24,000 in 2024, the burden of diabetes continues to escalate, posing significant threats to public health and economic stability in South Africa. Both Dr Ngassa Piotie and Mashego, whose diagnoses in 2020 spurred her to take a keen interest in advocacy work, echoed the sentiment shared by other panelists that more proactive measures and education are vital.

Despite having found new and innovative ways to contribute positively to the discussions around diabetes, Mashego expressed her frustration over the lack of support available to young individuals living with diabetes.

“Sometimes I wonder what the future looks like for young people. I am angry, and my anger stems from the fact that when I was diagnosed in 2020, I faced the most challenging time of my life. I had to educate myself in real time. Sometimes when young people contact me, I am confronted by the burdens they face daily,” she shared passionately.

Mashego reveals that she is particularly concerned about young individuals forced to navigate their diabetes journeys alone, often without adequate familial or governmental assistance.
Her experience mirrors a broader issue plaguing young diabetics—many find themselves self-educating on managing their condition amidst societal stigma. “I had to deal with nurses who would just give you insulin without explaining anything. Some nurses hand you a handful of insulin, and for the next six months, you have to figure things out by yourself. That is why I am angry due to the many unfulfilled government promises,” she lamented, illustrating the pressing gap in education and support within the healthcare system.

This conversation served not only as a forum for discussion but as a rallying cry for urgent collective action against diabetes in South Africa. As stakeholders continue to push for accountability and reforms, the impact of diabetes on individuals and the healthcare system remains a poignant reminder of the work yet to be done.

Mbalati further stresses the importance of active, rather than passive activism, which he says is needed to move the country and the government towards a more practical approach to stemming the tide against the diabetes scourge.

“We cannot accept being satisfied with doing the bare minimum. Another thing is the private sector. We keep talking about the public sector, but the private sector also has a role to play. Also, people living with diabetes need to have a seat at the table when policies are being developed,” Mbalati concludes

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As South Africa approaches this year’s budget speech (25 February 2026) , much attention is being paid to unemployment, national debt and inequality.

Yet one tax, which has the potential to improve the lives of South Africans, particularly the poorest, receives little attention.

The Health Promotion Levy, commonly called the sugary drinks tax, was introduced in 2018 with a clear objective: reduce excessive sugar consumption with a view to reducing obesity and associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension. When the levy was adopted, it worked. A United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research study released in 2025 noted that the levy led to an increase of 15% in the consumption of non-taxable sugary drinks.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

This article was published in The Daily Maverick on the 24th of February 2026.

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As pressure mounts from industry groups to weaken or repeal the HPL, we warn that rolling back the levy would undermine progress in addressing hunger, diet-related disease and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which disproportionately affect low-income communities.

Non-communicable diseases account for approximately 51% of all deaths in South Africa, with diabetes now the second leading natural cause of death nationally (Stats SA). Oral diseases continue to contribute to significant global and national morbidity and disability, with over 3.7 billion people impacted globally. Nationally, 1 in 4 (27.9%), people aged 5 years and above experienced untreated dental decay and 24.5% of persons over the age of 15 experienced severe gum diseases (leading to preventable and premature tooth loss) both of these disease having a significant, but often overlooked impact on health and quality of life.  Excess body weight affects around 68% of women and 31% of men in South Africa, while childhood overweight and obesity rates are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.

The HPL Is Not Harmful to Poor Households

“Framing the Health Promotion Levy as harmful to poor households is not only misleading, but deeply cynical,” said Nzama Mbalati, CEO at HEALA. “Low-income communities already pay the highest price for unhealthy food environments through preventable illness, lost income and avoidable deaths.”

Since its introduction in 2018 at a rate of 11% (2.1 cents per gram of sugar above 4g/100ml), peer-reviewed research has shown that the HPL led to a 29% reduction in sugar purchased from taxable beverages among lower-income households, alongside significant product reformulation by manufacturers.

From a revenue perspective, the HPL has generated approximately R2 billion per year in its early years of implementation. If increased to 20% in line with World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations, revenue could increase substantially while maximising public health impact. WHO recommends that sugary drink taxes raise retail prices by at least 20% to meaningfully reduce consumption.

Moreover, the potential to earmark HPL revenue for health promotion, nutrition programmes and food security interventions offers a direct opportunity to support vulnerable communities” says Mbalati.

A Rights-Based Response to an Unjust Food System

South Africa faces a dual crisis of hunger and obesity, driven by a food system that makes ultra-processed, sugary products cheap and widely available while healthier options remain unaffordable for many households.

 Recent national data indicates that one in four South African children under five experiences stunting, while at the same time sugary beverage consumption remains high, particularly among adolescents. Excessive sugar intake is a major contributor to diabetes, dental decay,  heart disease and stroke, conditions that place immense strain on families and the public health system. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that over 4.2 million adults in South Africa are living with diabetes, with many more undiagnosed. Diabetes-related complications significantly increase public healthcare expenditure and reduce household income due to disability and premature mortality.

Public health evidence, including local studies evaluating the HPL, shows that the levy has shifted consumer purchasing behaviour toward beverages with less sugar and incentivised industry reformulation without the large-scale job losses predicted by industry opponents.

Supporting Farmers Through Just Transition

We note with concern that local farmers are affected by uncertainty in the global sugar industry. The supply chain faces high production costs, shrinking markets and changing consumer behaviour.

For long-term sustainability, government and farmers must work collaboratively to pivot away from sugar dependency through a just transition framework.

One promising approach involves creating opportunities for farmers to supply affordable, nutritious produce to Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres nationwide. Government-facilitated farmer-ECD partnerships would support farmer livelihoods while improving child nutrition outcomes.

Debunking the “Tax on the Poor” Narrative

HEALA and Union Against Hunger stress that the claim that the HPL unfairly targets poor households ignores the lived reality of diet-related disease.

Lower-income communities experience disproportionately high rates of obesity and diabetes, yet face reduced access to preventative healthcare and early screening services. Evidence shows that lower-income households also benefit most from reductions in sugary beverage consumption following price increases.

“The real injustice is allowing an aggressive sugary drinks market to continue targeting children and low-income communities with impunity,” added Tendai Mafuma, Senior Legal Researcher at SECTION27. “Weakening the HPL would be a direct betrayal of the government’s constitutional obligations.”

A Call to Protect and Strengthen the HPL

We call on National Treasury and policymakers to:

• Reject industry-driven attempts to weaken or repeal the Health Promotion Levy.
• Increase the levy in line with global best practice to maximise health impact (minimum 20% price increase as recommended by WHO).
• Commit to investing HPL revenue in health promotion, nutrition and food security programmes.
• Place food justice and human rights at the centre of fiscal and health policy decision-making.

“At a time of rising hunger, inequality and preventable disease, South Africa cannot afford policy capture by vested interests,” says Dr. Edzani Mphaphuli, Executive Director at Grow Great .“The Health Promotion Levy is not the problem , it is part of the solution.”

ENDS

For media enquiries and Interviews, please contact:

Mr. Neo Merafi

Maverick Brand Communications 

neo@maverickbrand.co.za

WhatsApp: 071 359 9738

OR

Ms. Zukiswa Zimela 

Communications Manager- HEALA 

zukiswa@heala.org

WhatsApp: 074 521 0652  

Notes to Editors (Updated)

• The Health Promotion Levy was introduced in April 2018.
• The levy taxes sugary beverages containing more than 4g of sugar per 100ml.
• Non-communicable diseases account for approximately 51% of deaths in South Africa.
• Diabetes is the second leading natural cause of death nationally.
• Peer-reviewed research shows a 29% reduction in sugar purchased from taxable beverages among lower-income households after implementation.
• WHO recommends sugary drink taxes increase prices by at least 20% to achieve optimal public health impact.
• The HPL allocation to the NDoH has remained largely unspent for the past 10 years. For the 2025/2026 fiscal year, only R15 million of the allocated R52 million has been earmarked, and this for a limited number of organisations — namely Park Run, the National Organ Donation Foundation, the National Cancer Registry, and the Knowledge Translation Unit (KTU) at UCT.

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18 November 2025

For Immediate release

A new investigation by Swiss NGO Public Eye has exposed how global food giant Nestlé is adding sugar to baby cereals sold in South Africa, while selling sugar-free versions of the same products in Europe. This follows the scandal that broke earlier in the year where it was revealed that Nestle has a pattern of selling sugary baby food in lower-income countries, while reserving healthier product formulation for richer counterparts.   

Laboratory tests of Nestlé’s Cerelac range found that 90% of products sold across Africa contain added sugar. In South Africa, 3 in 4 Cerelac products tested included added sugar, averaging 4.9 grams per serving — more than a teaspoon — in products marketed for babies as young as six months. Some variants contained as much as 5.2 grams per serving. Equivalent products in Germany and the United Kingdom contain none.

“This is corporate hypocrisy at its worst,” said Nzama Mbalati CEO for the Healthy Living Alliance (HEALA). “Nestlé knows full well that added sugar harms infants, yet continues to dump sugary products on African babies. It’s a blatant double standard that treats African children’s health as less important.”

The World Health Organization explicitly warns that baby foods should contain no added sugar, as early exposure increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases later in life. South Africa already faces one of the world’s highest childhood obesity rates — a crisis fuelled by aggressive marketing of ultra-processed foods.

“South Africa has experienced a dramatic surge in overweight and obesity in children under five,” says Lori Lake, Communication and Education Specialist at the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town.

Lake adds that rates nearly doubled from 13% in 2016 to 22% in 2022 – with one in four young children now overweight or obese – and this is more than four times higher than the global average. 

“So, we need to ask ourselves, if Nestle is really committed to optimal health and nutrition, then why are they continuing to add extra sugar to their infant cereal – and to what extent are they helping to fuel an epidemic of non-communicable disease in South Africa,” she explains. 

 According to Lake adding sugar to infant cereals acts like a gateway drug, helping establish a lifelong preference for sugary foods that then increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and other NCDs later in life. So, while sugar is sweet – it can leave a bitter aftertaste. She adds that multinational food corporations stand to profit, but it is South Africa’s children and families – and health care system – who will have to carry the costs – which further entrenches inequalities.

Despite acknowledging on its own South African website that high sugar intake poses serious health risks for children, Nestlé continues to promote Cerelac as a “nutritious” and “balanced” product. The company also pays local influencers to endorse Cerelac online, blurring the line between advertising and trusted nutrition advice.

We call on Nestlé South Africa and the National Department of Health to take immediate action: remove added sugar from all baby and toddler foods; enforce strong, mandatory front-of-package warning labels; and introduce strict regulations to stop misleading marketing practices targeting parents and caregivers.

Ends.

For media enquiries please contact:

Lori Lake: Communication and Education Specialist at the Children’s Institute, University of Cape Town. 

lori.lake@uct.ac.za | 0825580446

Dorothy Breslin: Senior Communications Organiser at Groundwork

dorothy@groundwork.org.za | 0823193741

Zukiswa Zimela Communications Manager at HEALA

zukiswa@heala.org | 0745210652

The post The Bitter Truth: Nestlé still adding more sugar to baby food in SA despite previous backlash BACKLASH appeared first on Heala.

The South African government imposes taxes on certain products, such as alcohol and tobacco, to generate revenue and discourage consumption due to their negative health and societal impacts. Similarly, HPL aims to reduce the consumption of sugary drinks. However, unlike “sin taxes,” the HPL hasn’t seen a significant increase since its introduction in 2018, representing a potential missed opportunity for revenue.

The World Health Organisation has highlighted the importance of health taxes, noting that health taxes are a valuable tool for reducing disease burden and generating revenue. By implementing or increasing these taxes, governments can improve public health outcomes while securing funds for healthcare initiatives. 

South Africa is facing a dramatic increase in non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The overconsumption of sugary drinks has been linked to an increase risk of these illnesses. 

These taxes offer multiple benefits, including improved health outcomes, reduced consumption of harmful products, and increased revenue for healthcare. They can also be used to fund specific health initiatives, such as universal health coverage, increases in the child support grant and the expansion of the National School Nutrition Programme. 

It is unconscionable that the sugar industry continues to be coddled by the government, while calls for an increase in the HPL to protect the lives of South Africans go unheeded.

HEALA is calling for an increase to the HPL and the recognition of the levy as a necessary health tax for the good of all who live in South Africa. 

Ends.

For media enquiries please contact

Zukiswa Zimela HEALA Communications Manager

zukiswa[@]heala.org 0745210651

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