Table 2.

Summary of findings using three categories of Kingdon’s theory of agenda setting

Kingdon category	Facilitator of SSB taxation	Barrier to SSB taxation
Category 1: Understanding the problem of NR-NCDs and SSB taxation	Government has acknowledged the scope and impact of the problem of NR-NCDs through various policies. A multisectoral approach contributes to effective solution-making.	Unhealthy diets persist with foods with high sugar content, and excessive calorie consumption. Low literacy, poverty and unemployment result in healthy food choices being secondary to other needs. The absence of detailed and granular information about NCDs.
Category 2: Policy related to NR-NCDs and SSB taxation	Policies emanate from several sectors. SSB tax is envisaged in policy.	Several different approaches to the problem have been postulated. Interviewees believe solutions should be ‘gender-neutral’. Resources to combat SSBs are not clear in existing policy documents.
Category 3: Politics of major stakeholders	High-level political acknowledgement of NR-NCDs. Commitment to international and regional treaties. Regional trade partners have adopted an SSB tax	Influence of industry stakeholders is unknown. Perception that NCD management would be in conflict with other socio-economic development goals.