Fight brewing over the return of new smoking laws for South Africa

The Weekend View

The reintroduction of the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill in Parliament THIS WEEK has unleashed a chorus of warnings by those against the Bill. The Bill is proposing new legislation that will regulate the sale, advertising and use of tobacco products. Critics argue that the Bill is likely to push consumers towards harmful illicit markets. They also say the Bill lacks practical, people-centric solutions to reduce smoking and curb the harm associated with tobacco. Additionally, some say that it would severely impact around 2.2 million informal traders who rely on cigarette sales and could lead to potential job losses in the tobacco industry. Udo Carelse spoke to Samuel Madikoto, General Secretary of the National Informal Traders Alliance of South Africa - NITASA