The Citizen reports that Fita chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni said such a move would be nothing short of disastrous for both the fiscus and the legitimate tobacco industry, and the thousands of people employed along its value chain.

Organisations in the health sector this week launched a campaign to pressure Finance Minister Tito Mboweni to increase tobacco product taxes ahead of his medium-term budget statement. 

Cosatu, in addition to endorsing the campaign, suggested the government use the tax revenue to fight the illicit drug trade and improve healthcare.

Moneyweb