National Treasury’s plan to increase alcohol excise taxes and bring in a minimum unit price has run into predictable resistance from the alcohol industry. Speaking to Channel Africa, DGMT CEO David Harrison pushed back on the framing itself, arguing that South Africa cannot keep treating economic growth and public health as opposing goals when heavy drinking drains far more from the country than the industry ever puts in.
SAFM Interview: Heavy drinking costs South Africa more than the alcohol industry gives back
The National Treasury wants to increase alcohol excise taxes and introduce a minimum unit price. But the proposal has drawn criticism from the alcohol industry.
August 6, 2026
