The ban on tobacco products has forced companies to search for new markets outside South Africa. They say exports to neighbouring countries since the start of the ban are higher than what they’ve exported in the last five years. Courtesy
JOHANNESBURG - When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, so too did the tobacco ban and now, small-scale tobacco farmers say illicit tobacco trade has aggressively boomed.“The market share was already 42% on these criminals but now they have been given a fully 100% market share, for whose benefit?”, said tobacco farmer, Ntando Shadrack Sibisi.They say exports to neighbouring countries since the start of the ban are higher than what they’ve exported in the last five years.
“The ban has failed to achieve its objective. Instead of deterring people, the study finds that 93% of the 11 million smokers continue to access their tobacco products,” said Batsa's head of external affairs, Johnny Moloto.- Coronavirus Hotline Number: 0800 029 999 from 8am to 4pm, Monday to FridaySend HI to 0600 123 456 on WhatsApp.
The NICD has another Clinician Hotline to improve #COVID19 communication and support for healthcare providers. The Clinician Hotline is 0800 11 1131, operating 24 hrs. The Public Hotline is 0800 029 999 also operating 24hrs.