Share

Tobacco ban: Our only interest is our people's health, says Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has rubbished claims there is an agenda from the government in banning of tobacco products during the Level 4 lockdown.

"No one is trying to pursue any interests. The only interests we are pursuing is the health of our people, finish and klaar," the president said on Tuesday.

Ramaphosa was addressing journalists at the Royal Show Grounds in KwaZulu-Natal, where he inspected a quarantine facility. He was in the province to examine the state of its response to the pandemic. 

He said in taking the decision for the tobacco ban, the government was consultative.

On Monday, News24 reported the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) had launched a legal challenge to South Africa's ban on the manufacture, export and sale of cigarettes.

READ | Tobacco giant asks Dlamini-Zuma to amend regulations

The association launched the legal action after Cogta Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma's announcement the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) had decided not to lift the cigarette ban after Ramaphosa earlier stated it would end on 30 April.

Commenting on the court challenge, Ramaphosa said: "We live in a free country. The content of our democracy is such that if you feel aggrieved you are entitled to take your grievance to the court of the country and that's what they've elected to do."

He added he had faith in the judicial system.

"And we still have great confidence in the courts of our country that they are able to examine matters and disputes properly and that's how it is going to go forward."

'Nothing wrong with changing our minds'

Ramaphosa said while the government had announced a lift on the cigarette ban, it had consulted the public and decided to change its mind.

INFOGRAPHIC | Here is what is and what isn’t allowed during Level 4

"We are a listening government. As much as we may have decided on an issue, when our people raise concerns, we listen and re-examine our position and that is precisely what happened. It was done on a very controversial issue and we accept that.

"There is nothing wrong whatsoever with any one of us changing our minds."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 500 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 705 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.90
+0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.86
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.36
+0.3%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE