Ex-Minister Obadiah Moyo Breaks Silence After Salt Tax Outrage, Says He Wants To Tax Food Companies Not Families

Former Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has broken his silence following outrage over a proposed salt tax, saying the plan is aimed at taxing food companies rather than Zimbabwean families.

The controversy erupted after reports published on 12 March 2026 suggested that Moyo had proposed introducing a salt tax in Zimbabwe to raise funds to treat illnesses linked to excessive salt consumption, including hypertension and kidney disease.

The proposal quickly sparked a storm on social media, with many Zimbabweans questioning why another levy should be introduced when the country already has a sugar tax.

However, speaking after the backlash, Moyo said his proposal had been misunderstood and stressed that the target would be food manufacturers producing high-sodium products.

“It is not the consumer who should be taxed but the manufacturers of food products with high salt content who should be taxed if they exceed the set sodium limits,” Moyo said.

He explained that the proposal focuses on processed foods rather than raw salt used by households.

Moyo Says Manufacturers Would Face Higher Taxes

Moyo said the idea involves setting sodium limits for certain processed foods, including stock cubes, soups, processed meats and salty snacks.

Manufacturers would then be expected to reformulate their products so that they comply with those limits.

Companies that fail to meet the sodium thresholds could face higher excise taxes.

“The saltier the product, the higher the tax rate,” Moyo explained.

He said the goal would be to encourage the food industry to reduce sodium levels while improving public health.

“I want families to hear this — consumers are not taxed. You’re protected by cheaper, lower-salt options and by warnings about salt use at home,” he said.

Moyo added that similar approaches have been used in other countries to reduce sodium levels in processed foods while maintaining product sales.

Debate Rekindles Sugar Tax Questions

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

The tax applies to sugar-sweetened beverages and is currently set at US$0.001 per gram of sugar.

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

However, lawmakers have questioned how the funds have been used.

During a National Assembly session in February 2026, Bulawayo Central legislator Surrender Kapoikilu raised concerns about the continued state of cancer treatment facilities 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.”

Chipinge legislator Clifford Hlatshwayo also called for greater transparency regarding the funds.

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

Health experts have long warned that excessive salt intake contributes to high blood pressure and other non-communicable diseases, including kidney complications and heart disease.

For now, it remains unclear whether authorities will formally consider introducing the proposed salt tax.