Top reads on Fin24: Nearly three-quarters of SA households 'financially unwell' and why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf

In case you missed it, here's a roundup of Tuesday's top economic and finance reads on Fin24.

Tavern associations say tobacco bill will choke township businesses

Associations representing owners of taverns in township areas around the country have criticised the newly-released Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, saying it will jeopardise both their profits and patrons' safety.

The bill seeks to ban most public smoking and introduce restrictions such as banning smoking within 10 metres of any doorway, window or walkway.

• READ: Tavern associations say tobacco bill will choke township businesses

Nearly three-quarters of SA households 'financially unwell' - study

Research by Momentum and Unisa shows that 73.5% of SA households were "financially unwell" in 2017.

The research found that, while some households did very well during 2017, others just muddled through, while a large portion struggled immensely.

• READ: Nearly three-quarters of SA households 'financially unwell' - study

Gold Fields punished as miner forced back to the drawing board on South Deep

After years of losses and failed turnarounds, Gold Fields [JSE:GFI] is having to come up with another plan to save its massive South Deep mine. Its shares plunged.

The Johannesburg-based company may cut about 1 560 employees and contractors at the operation, its only one left in South Africa, and refocus the mine plan to reduce activity and lower costs. South Deep is the world’s second-biggest known body of gold-bearing ore and has the potential to produce for 70 years, yet more than a decade of poor performance has weighed on the company.

• READ:  Gold Fields punished as miner forced back to the drawing board on South Deep

Why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf

A photo of a loaf of 375g gluten-free bread at Woolworths, selling for R52.99, went viral on social media to the amusement of some while others questioned how a staple food item could be so expensive. 

A quick scan of the food aisles at the retailer reveals that specialised or health items in the 'carb clever' range usually cost around double -  sometimes more - the price of 'ordinary' products. The same applies to speciality milks like almond, rice or soya milk.

• READ: Why Woolies' gluten-free bread is over R50 a loaf
  

Cosatu: Further VAT exemptions may not benefit the poor

With the expert panel on the zero-rated value-added tax items having submitted its report to National Treasury, labour has questioned whether the recommendations - once implemented - will benefit the poor.

Among the items recommended to be zero-rated were white bread, sanitary pads, nappies and school uniforms.

The panel also cautioned government to ensure that benefits are not "captured" by producers. 

• READ: Cosatu: Further VAT exemptions may not benefit the poor
  

* Sign up to Fin24's top news in your inbox: SUBSCRIBE TO FIN24 NEWSLETTER