TJSA to Ramaphosa: Do the right thing and lift the tobacco ban
Calls for government to lift the cigarette ban are mounting with Tax Justice South Africa (TJSA) now joining the chorus.
The organisation says the ban is hurting the economy and enriching criminals.
It says it's also left smokers miserable.
Founder, Yusuf Abramjee says the hardships of this decision are well recorded.
This week, British American Tobacco, has on behalf of various stakeholders, been arguing in the Western Cape High Court on why the ban should be reversed.
Abramjee has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to allow tobacco sales again and not wait for the courts' decision on the matter.
"After the High Court in Cape Town reserved judgement, anyone who had to fit through two days of repetition, rambling and long-winded explanation by Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's lawyers will know how weak her case is.
"The President should do the right thing and lift the ban immediately.
"We heard how South Africa is the only country in the world outlawing tobacco sales despite compelling proof that the ban fuels illicit trade and encourages the sharing of single cigarettes, therefore increasing the risk of infection," says Abramjee.
