The True Cost of Alcohol - By SAAPA

The True Cost of Alcohol - By SAAPA The True Cost of Alcohol is a national civil-society campaign to save lives, reduce harm and restore dignity through targeted alcohol tax reform. Reduce harm.

Save lives. Increase excise tax on alcohol.

As Women’s Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a month of conversations, leadership and action and on the women ...
26/08/2026

As Women’s Month comes to a close, we’re reflecting on a month of conversations, leadership and action and on the women who continue to push these issues forward.

From the launch of our study to the conversations at Women’s Parliament, one thing has been clear: women are asking for more than recognition. They are calling for action.

The priorities raised at our study launch, tackling the unchecked availability of alcohol, addressing the affordability of alcohol through excise tax reform, and finally bringing the long-awaited Liquor Amendment Bill to the table, were echoed in the declarations from Women’s Parliament.

These conversations speak to the realities women and communities face every day, and to the need for policies that respond to those realities.

When women come together with purpose, powerful things happen.

What is the real cost of alcohol in South Africa, and how do excise taxes play a role? Swipe through to see key insights...
25/08/2026

What is the real cost of alcohol in South Africa, and how do excise taxes play a role?

Swipe through to see key insights from our recent Media Roundtable on the National Treasury Alcohol Taxation Review featuring experts Kashifa Ancer (DGMT), Mpho Legote (National Treasury), Prof. Corné van Walbeek (REEP), and Prof. Charles Parry (SAMRC).

NB: Please note that National Treasury's presentation focused exclusively on the National Treasury tax review process and policy guidelines, rather than on illicit alcohol.

Key takeaways from the session:
- The Real Economic Burden: Alcohol-related harm costs South Africa hundreds of billions each year, far more than tax revenues collected and national health spending.
- Public Health Impact: Heavy drinking drives high rates of trauma cases, violence, and long-term health harms, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
- Taxes vs. Illicit Trade: Evidence shows higher excise taxes effectively reduce overall consumption and harm. Concerns over illicit trade stem mainly from weak border controls and organized crime, not tax rates, and can be managed through enforcement rather than holding back tax reform.
- Policy Progress: Progressive tax structures targeting alcohol content encourage lower-strength options while prioritizing public health.

Watch the full roundtable replay: Visit youtube.com/ to catch up on all the presentations and expert discussions.

Big claims need real proof. The industry claims illicit alcohol is taking over, but official Treasury data tells a total...
21/08/2026

Big claims need real proof.

The industry claims illicit alcohol is taking over, but official Treasury data tells a totally different story. Legal, tax-paid alcohol sales actually grew by 24.2% between 2017 and 2024. Legal sales didn't drop, they grew. So where is this massive illegal surge coming from?

Catch the full recording of our Media Roundtable on YouTube for all the research and insights.

20/08/2026

Why do governments impose taxes on alcohol? At our recent Media Roundtable, National Treasury highlighted a foundational economic principle: alcohol consumption generates severe socio-economic impacts that standard market prices fail to reflect. Because the market does not internalize these costs, alcohol excise duties act as a necessary fiscal mechanism to correct for these negative externalities, adjust retail pricing to better reflect alcohol’s real burden on the health system and economy, and prioritize population health.

Watch the full Media Roundtable replay and access key expert presentations on our YouTube channel.

NB: Please note that National Treasury's presentation focused exclusively on the National Treasury tax review process an...
20/08/2026

NB: Please note that National Treasury's presentation focused exclusively on the National Treasury tax review process and policy guidelines, rather than on illicit alcohol.

Smarter alcohol tax policy is essential for addressing the heavy socio-economic harm caused by alcohol in South Africa. Mpho Legote from National Treasury outlines how updating the national excise duty structure can protect public health, incentivize lower-alcohol options, and support long-term fiscal goals.

Treasury's policy approach views excise taxes as a tool to correct market failures, shift relative prices, and reduce consumption. Without adequate tax policy, general taxpayers cross-subsidize the massive health and social costs resulting from alcohol harm.

Current excise duty burdens stand at 11% for wine, 23% for beer, and 36% for spirits based on retail price, but proposed changes aim to introduce progressive, strength-based tax tiers for beer and wine to encourage lower-alcohol alternatives. Stakeholder consultations are ongoing to finalize this refreshed excise framework ahead of the 2027 Budget.

Watch the full replay to explore how evidence-based tax reform balances economic policy with public health: www.youtube.com/

19/08/2026

During our recent Media Roundtable on National Treasury’s Alcohol Taxation Review, advocates highlighted a crucial economic factor: as real incomes rise, alcohol becomes progressively more affordable unless tax policy intervenes. To address South Africa’s high rate of alcohol-related harm, civil society is supporting National Treasury’s review and advocating for excise taxes to be set above inflation. According to World Health Organization (WHO) research, raising excise duties is a proven “Best Buy” policy intervention that reduces consumption and saves lives.

Catch the full recording and expert panel discussions from the Media Roundtable on our YouTube channel.

Following our recent Media Roundtable on Alcohol Policy & Taxation, we are taking a closer look at the key facts, resear...
18/08/2026

Following our recent Media Roundtable on Alcohol Policy & Taxation, we are taking a closer look at the key facts, research, and economic realities shaping National Treasury’s tax review. As the public debate continues, it is critical that policy decisions remain grounded in independent economic evidence rather than commercial narratives.

Swipe through the carousel for a full breakdown of the evidence, key statistics, and takeaways from the conversation!

Missed the live media roundtable? You can catch the full replay on our YouTube channel!

What are your thoughts on using tax policy as a tool for public health? Let us know in the comments below!

17/08/2026

When powerful women gather in one room to advocate for a healthier, safer South Africa, things move. The atmosphere at the recent launch of the Alcohol Availability & Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Study was a clear testament to what happens when leaders, researchers, and community advocates join forces. It was more than a presentation of evidence; it was a rallying call driven by women who refuse to stand by while unchecked alcohol availability continues to impact the safety of our homes and neighborhoods.

When women unite behind a shared vision for public health and safety, real movement begins.

-SA

In the spirit of Women’s Month, SAAPA is hosting a Dinner & Launch of the Alcohol Availability & GBV Research Study! Kee...
13/08/2026

In the spirit of Women’s Month, SAAPA is hosting a Dinner & Launch of the Alcohol Availability & GBV Research Study!

Keep up with our social media to learn more!

13/08/2026

Our recent Media Roundtable brought together journalists, stakeholders and experts for an important discussion on National Treasury’s alcohol taxation review and the realities of illicit alcohol in South Africa. The session explored key research, evidence and insights that are shaping the conversation around alcohol taxation, public health and of illicit alcohol.

The full livestream recording is now available on our YouTube channel for anyone who would like to watch the discussion in full. We encourage policymakers, media professionals, researchers and members of the public to watch, engage with the evidence and join the conversation.

Have questions or want to continue the discussion? Leave a comment on the YouTube video or send us a direct message.

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