South Africa’s sugarcane growers have urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to fulfil his 2021 promise to support the domestic sugar industry through local procurement, warning that the sector is nearing collapse, IOL reported.
SA Canegrowers, which represents both small- and large-scale farmers, said the situation now threatens the livelihoods of around 27,000 small growers and 1,100 large growers. The group noted that the hope created by Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address in 2021 has faded as farmers face mounting difficulties.
According to the organisation, conditions for sugarcane farming have worsened since the President’s promise. A sharp rise in imported sugar, often from countries accused of unfair trade practices, has made it harder for local producers to compete.
Data analysed from the South African Revenue Service shows that 163,379 tonnes of sugar were imported between April and December 2025—double the volume recorded during the same period in 2024. About 20,000 tonnes arrived in December alone from Brazil, India and Thailand, a level previously seen only over an entire year.
SA Canegrowers said the growing volume of imports is pushing locally produced sugar out of the market and cutting farmers’ earnings. It stressed that maintaining local procurement is critical to protect domestic businesses, jobs, food security and rural economies.
The group also pointed to the impact of the sugar tax, which it said has led to more than 16,000 job losses. Rising electricity costs are adding pressure by increasing irrigation expenses, while delays in the Tongaat Hulett business rescue process, tied up in lengthy court proceedings, have further deepened uncertainty.
SA Canegrowers highlighted that the industry is unusual in treating small- and large-scale growers as equal commercial producers. A regulated value chain ensures fair payments to all participants, including millers, and has long been viewed as a strong example of agricultural development. However, the organisation warned that this progress could be lost without firm government backing.
Industry leaders said they are ready to work with authorities to address public health concerns and improve competitiveness but emphasised that progress depends on clear and fair policies that honour government commitments.
SA Canegrowers called on President Ramaphosa to reaffirm and implement the local procurement promise before lasting damage is done to the rural industry.
