Arguments over the ban of cigarettes to continue in court

State Advocate, Marumo Moerane, says the claims that president, Cyril Ramaphosa, never supported the ban on the sale of cigarette is a political matter.

Moerane had been making government’s submissions on the ban of cigarettes in the Pretoria High court.

The Fair-trade Independent Tobacco Association, which represents some cigarette makers, took government to Court challenging the ban.

FITA is arguing that Cogta minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, overstepped her powers in banning the sale of cigarettes, arguing she does not have the authority to pick and choose what items can be banned as a precautionary measure.

The ban came in to effect on March 27th along with a ban on alcohol sales, which has since been uplifted under level 3.

Moerane says Ramaphosa, in a written statement made it clear that the decision was taken based on the health scientific evidence.

Moerane adds that, it would be wrong if the court assumes that the minister will not act in line with legal position and conditionalities that will be clarified by the court.

Meanwhile, FITA lawyer, Arnold Subel, says it is not sufficient for the state to argue that the tobacco sales ban will be effective.

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By: Lindelani Mbatha