Sugar producers have accused South African retailers of failing to abide by a commitment that 95% of the sugar they sell would be local.
In a statement, Higgins Mdluli, chairman of SA Canegrowers, said imports put local jobs and livelihoods at risk.
Rising sugar imports had resulted in a 20% drop in sales this season, even though South Africa produced enough sugar for the local market.
Retailers had committed in terms of the industry’s master plan to source 95% of their sugar from local producers. However, “evidence on local retail shelves shows that they are not delivering on this commitment”.
He took issue with purchases from eSwatini, whose sugar exports enter South Africa duty-free. Retailers were wrong to argue that eSwatini sugar did not count as an import because it came from a neighbouring country.
“Local means South African,” he said.
“South Africa produces enough sugar to meet local demand. Retailers who sell sugar produced in other countries are exporting jobs and not sticking to their own commitment to support local sugar: a commitment made in South Africa, under a plan by the South African government, to South African sugar,” said Mdluli.
