Fita not giving up the fight

THE Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) hasn’t given up on its fight to have the ban on sale of cigarettes lifted.

It launched an appeal yesterday after its attempts to get the cigarette ban overturned were turned down by the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria last Friday.

“We will keep the public updated on any further developments in relation to this matter,” said Fita chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni.

The decision to keep the ban in place has stubbed out the hopes that many smokers had of getting their hands on tobacco products sooner.

British American Tobacco was also dealt a blow to its legal efforts last month after their case was postponed until August.

Fita said the government’s refusal to engage with it on the matter has made things difficult.

“It’s been extremely frustrating for us, particularly in light of the fact that government has seemingly taken a position not to engage the industry in any manner whatsoever.”

Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has remained firm in her decision to uphold the ban, reiterating that smoking could result in more severe Covid-19 symptoms, among others.