Ex-Minister Pushes For Salt Tax Sparking Outrage Among Zimbabweans

Ex-Minister Obadiah Moyo Pushes For Introduction Of Salt Tax

A proposal by former health minister Obadiah Moyo to introduce a salt tax in Zimbabwe has sparked outrage among citizens, with many questioning why authorities should impose another levy when a sugar tax already exists.

The debate erupted after Moyo reportedly suggested that Zimbabwe should consider taxing salt in order to raise funds for treating illnesses linked to excessive salt consumption, including hypertension and kidney disease.

According to the Daily News, the former Cabinet minister argued that such a tax could help mobilise resources to address lifestyle-related diseases.

“Authorities must introduce a salt tax to mobilise resources for treating diseases caused by excessive salt consumption, such as hypertension and kidney disease,” Moyo said.

His remarks immediately triggered heated debate online, with Zimbabweans flooding social media platforms with strong reactions and sarcastic suggestions about what could be taxed next.

‘Always Looking For Ways To Rob The Poor Man’

The proposal was met with immediate derision on social media, with many questioning why Moyo, who has his own baggage regarding public funds, would suggest yet another tax on basic commodities.

Nick Schiesman Museyamwa posted on Facebook:

“Always looking for ways to rob the poor man.”

Another user, Godfrey Mahungu, joked:

“We can also add mhanza (baldness) ayisekwi tax.”

The sentiment was echoed by George Chipepera, who sarcastically suggested:

“You can add cooking oil tax, chimodho (maize meal) tax and chomolia (vegetable) tax as well.”

Fungayi Mungate was less diplomatic, posting:

“If madness was a person.”

Brighton Muchenagumbo predicted:

“Next is the breathing air (Oxygen) tax.”

However, not all responses were entirely negative. Makuni Whisper Ganya offered a rare defence, writing:

“He is making a very good point. People can not just enjoy salt like that. If there is a sugar tax then there must be a salt tax also. Smart guy!”

Others questioned whether the proposal was practical, suggesting it could place additional financial pressure on ordinary households already struggling with the cost of living.

Debate Revives Questions Over Sugar Tax

The controversy has also reignited discussion about Zimbabwe’s Special Surtax on Sugar Content, which was introduced on 1 January 2024.

The levy targets sugar-sweetened beverages and is currently set at US$0.001 per gram of sugar, after being reduced from a higher rate amid industry concerns.

By late 2024, authorities reported that the tax had generated more than US$30 million (about R560 million).

However, the use of these funds has been the subject of debate.

During a National Assembly session in February 2026, legislators questioned how the money collected from the tax was being used.

Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikilu raised concerns about the continued poor state of cancer treatment services in public hospitals.

“The ministry says the money is supposed to be used for cancer therapeutic services and buying cancer machines,” he said.

“But my worry is how come our radiotherapy centres in our main hospitals are still in the state they are in.”

He pointed to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, where he said the radiotherapy department had not treated patients since 2022.

Another legislator, Chipinge MP Clifford Hlatshwayo, also called for transparency regarding the revenue collected through the sugar tax.

“Sugar tax is being contributed by every citizen. It is important for people to know what is happening to the money,” he said.

Health Concerns Behind The Proposal

Public health experts have long warned that excessive salt consumption can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease and kidney complications.

Countries around the world have experimented with so-called “sin taxes” on products considered harmful to health, including tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks.

However, the idea of extending such levies to everyday staples like salt has raised questions about fairness and practicality.

For now, it remains unclear whether authorities will formally consider introducing such a tax.