Recent changes to the governance structure of the South African sugar industry have been welcomed by the Democratic Alliance (DA), which says the reforms are long overdue for a sector that supports rural livelihoods, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, DA reported.
The amendments were gazetted by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau and relate to the governance arrangements of the South African Sugar Association (SASA) and the broader sugar industry agreement.
The DA said it would monitor how the changes are implemented to ensure that ordinary households do not end up paying the price for what it described as slow action by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
One of the key changes is the inclusion of the South African Farmers Development Association (SAFDA) in decision-making structures alongside SA Canegrowers. The DA said this step would improve representation within the industry, especially for emerging and small-scale growers, and could help make the sector more inclusive and stable.
However, the party raised concerns about how the reforms could affect consumers and businesses further down the value chain. It said measures such as bringing back carry-over stock and changing how sugar is distributed in the local market may improve the industry’s finances in the short term, but should not lead to higher prices for households or reduced competition.
The DA also pointed to the ongoing difficulties at Tongaat Hulett as a sign of deeper problems within the sugar sector. It said governance failures, market challenges and delays in policy decisions have contributed to instability. The party called on the minister to focus on long-term solutions that improve competitiveness, attract investment and grow exports, rather than responding only when crises arise.
In addition, the DA said any cooperation between industry players on pricing must be closely monitored by the Competition Commission South Africa. While it acknowledged that cooperation may be necessary in difficult times, it stressed that safeguards must be in place to protect consumers and ensure fair market conditions.
The sugar industry supports tens of thousands of jobs and plays an important role in many rural communities. The DA said its future depends not only on regulatory changes but also on better productivity, reliable infrastructure and clear policies that balance the needs of growers with those of consumers.
The party said it would continue to oversee developments to ensure that governance reforms improve accountability, that regulatory steps remain transparent and fair, and that government policy strengthens the sector’s long-term sustainability.
