Media statement by SA Canegrowers
October 9, 2025
Every time you buy South African sugar, you’re directly supporting more than one million local livelihoods. But importers of foreign sugar often try to mislead consumers by not clearly indicating the country of origin of their products.
Sugarcane farming is the economic heartbeat of communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. By choosing sugar that is clearly marked as “grown” or “produced” in South Africa, consumers can make a real difference.
But importers are out to trick consumers. Labels that say the sugar has been “packed” in South Africa means that the imported sugar arrives in bulk from countries like Brazil or India but is then packaged locally.
Imported sugar like this does not support local jobs.
“When South Africans buy local sugar, they’re choosing to keep families like mine working and communities alive. Every bag of local sugar helps us put food on the table and invest in a better future,” says Kiki Mzoneli, a grower from Groutville, KwaZulu-Natal and board member of SA Canegrowers.
South Africa produces more than enough high-quality sugar to meet all our needs. Foreign, subsidised imports are threatening the future of the sugar industry and the rural communities that depend on it.
For every ton of sugar imported, local growers lose R7600 in revenue that should be paying wages, sustaining small businesses in their communities, and keeping rural economies alive.
“Buying local sugar is about more than what’s on your table – it’s about protecting jobs, sustaining rural families, and ensuring consumers continue to enjoy high-quality, home-grown sugar,” says Higgins Mdluli, chairperson of SA Canegrowers, and grower from Mpumalanga. SA Canegrowers represents 24,000 small-scale and 1,200 large-scale sugarcane growers.
Next time you shop, take a closer look at the label. If it’s local, it’s supporting South African jobs.
You can pledge your support at www.saveoursugar.org.za or using the hashtag #saveoursugar or #sacanegrowers on social media.
ENDS
For media enquiries:
Gerhard Mulder
gerhard@resolvecommunications.co.za
083 305 9361