The Food and Allied Workers Union (FAWU) has raised sharp concerns over South Africa’s (SA) strict tobacco control regulations, warning that tightening restrictions on packaging and product visibility are crippling legitimate manufacturers and fueling the illicit cigarette trade.
The union’s warnings come as British American Tobacco SA (BAT SA) prepares to permanently shut down its manufacturing operations in Gauteng by the end of the year. The move sees the company transition to an import-based distribution model, placing thousands of local jobs at risk.
According to FAWU, regulatory pressure from the Department of Health is inadvertently undercutting compliant businesses by making it increasingly difficult for legal retailers and producers to compete against unmonitored contraband markets.
Calling for urgent state intervention, FAWU Acting General Secretary Edwin Mabowa urged the government to show the same resolve in saving BAT SA’s operations as it did with major industrial interventions elsewhere.
“Our plea is that this plant must be reopened,” said Mabowa. “The seriousness with which the government showed in keeping, for example, Tongaat Hulett open must be displayed with British American Tobacco. And commitment must be made that legitimate producers are going to be protected by SA Revenue Service and government.”
–ChannelAfrica–
