Government defends tobacco policies as illicit market hits 75%

The government has defended its decision to implement strict tobacco policies, which seems to have led to the astonishing growth of illicit cigarettes.

Illicit cigarettes now account for 75% of the market, a situation described as unimaginable in most industries.

Cigarette manufacturer British American Tobacco has blamed the growth of illicit cigarettes and its plans to close shop by the end of the year on the government's decision to shut down the sale of cigarettes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Briefing the media on the government’s plan to remove structural challenges in the economy, Minister in the Presidency Maropeng Ramokgopa says the government had no choice but to act and save lives.

"Tobacco had an impact on it, a severe impact on it, so we had to put those policies in place because when we have more people that are sick, it's actually not only about health, but it also has an impact on the economy itself because you are burdening the economy."

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