FITA Statement – For immediate release

We understand the frustrations of the many people who have supported us during our challenging of the #CigaretteBan in relation to judgment in this matter.

Let us all be mindful of the fact that the record in this matter is approximately 6000 pages long and the court has to apply its mind taking this and many other factors into consideration.

We further wish to dismiss any allegations that we are involved in ANY discussions whatsoever with government ...

FITA Statement – For immediate release

COURT CASE UPDATE

‪The Judges hearing the matter will use tomorrow, 9 June 2020, to consider the legal arguments advanced by the parties, and the matter will proceed to be heard on 10 June 2020.

‪We thank you all once again for the support and well wishes. 

Issued by Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association Chairperson: Sinenhlanhla Mnguni

08 June 2020

For queries kindly contact Monique Vogel t: 072 720 7919; e: Monique@fita.co.za

End

FITA Statement – For immediate release

We have today received a directive from the Pretoria High Court that our matter will be heard on 9 and 10 June 2020 before a Full Bench of the High Court. We once again wish to thank all those who have sent their well wishes and supported us throughout this period.

Issued by Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association Chairperson: Sinenhlanhla Mnguni 29 May 2020

For queries kindly contact Monique Vogel t: 072 720 7919; e: Monique@fita.co.za

End

FITA Statement – For immediate release

We can confirm that this morning we received the record of decision and reasons for the banning of the sale of cigarettes from the Respondents. We are now finalising our supplementary papers which will be served on the Respondents by no later than 29 May 2020 as per the court order of 12 May 2020 which states inter alia the following:

2.1.the Applicant may amend its notice of motion and supplement its founding affidavit by no ...

FITA Statement – For immediate release

FITA finds it very disturbing that whilst engaged in court litigation with the State in respect of the banning of sales of cigarettes during the current lock down period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have acted unlawfully against two of our members.

The behaviour of the relevant SAPS members is made worse by the recent scathing findings by the High Court against heavy-handedness of security forces under the lock down period. To make ...

FITA Statement – For immediate release

We understand the outrage amongst many citizens of this country in as far as comments in newspaper reports which have been attributed to Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in relation to the prohibition of inter alia the sale of cigarettes during Level 3 of the lockdown period and beyond.

Our understanding is that the issue is now before the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) where it is being debated, however to ...

Press release – FITA – for immediate release

FITA wishes to update the public on its court application regarding the prohibition of manufacturing and local sales of cigarettes in the country. The matter was brought in two parts. Part A was to be heard before the Gauteng High Court – Pretoria tomorrow on 12 May 2020.

During the course of the last week a number of court processes and correspondence have been exchanged between the parties via their respective legal representatives. The ...

During the course of yesterday, 7 May 2020, we received confirmation in writing from the Office of the State Attorney acting on behalf of the President and the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs that the manufacturing and export of tobacco products is permitted under the present Regulations promulgated on 29 April 2020 by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as follows:

1. Regarding the export of tobacco products: Tobacco products constitute manufacturing products permitted for export in ...

Press release – FITA – for immediate release

FITA notes with dismay the announcement today by SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter that SARS recently raided a cigarette-making plant which was in production despite the ban on tobacco sales.

We can unequivocally and with conviction confirm that the factory in question is not a FITA member. Both FITA and its attorneys have since the announcement by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr NKosazana Dlamini-Zuma directed correspondence to the relevant stakeholders vis-a-vis the ...

Press release – FITA – for immediate release

We welcome the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa that amongst other things the sale of cigarettes will be permitted during the next phase of the lockdown period in government’s attempts at containing the spread of the coronavirus.

We are of the view that this, together with the tax relief extended to cigarette manufacturers and other industries announced by Minister Tito Mboweni yesterday, are steps in the right direction by government in mitigating the damaging ...