The Health Living Alliance (HEALA), its partners and over 300 other concerned citizens will be marching to the National Department of Health to bring these concerns to light. We invite the members of the media to cover this important health event.

There are deep historical roots of the South African sugar industry and its influence on dietary sugar consumption at the population level. The sugar industry is a prime example of a colonial activity shaping the economy, polity, penetration of sugar content into food products, and blocking proven public health policies for an extended period. With the soaring health conditions linked to unhealthy food, the reliance on sugar and energy dense diet for industry profiteering is no longer sustainable.

This World Diabetes Month, HEALA is calling on government to utilise all tools at its disposal, including Front of Pack Warning Labels, to create a healthier food environment and fix the food system all South African citizens.. Illnesses such as diabetes do not only affect individuals on the personal level, they also have a crippling effect on the country’s growth. It is estimated that of the 4.58 million people between 20 and 79 years old with diabetes in South Africa in 2019, 52.4% were undiagnosed.

DATE: 21 NOVERMBER ADDRESS: 1112 VOORTREKKER ROAD, PRETORIA TIME: 1

Mr Nzama Mbalati, programmes director at HEALA will be available for interviews and can be reached on: 082 734 5414