“For every ton of sugar dumped in the country, it costs 100 jobs and not government in its rightful mind will accept that,” he says.
As part of efforts to revitalise the sector, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi has been tasked with driving the sugar master plan, aimed at transforming the industry.
Gumede said South Africa can learn from Brazil, where sugar producers have diversified into biofuels, electricity generation and carbon capture.
“This is what we want to do,” says Gumede.
“Together with the IDC, we are aligned on this transformation agenda,” he adds.
According to Gumede, Tongaat Hulett already generates electricity for its own operations and could…