Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
illicit tobacco tradelatest news & developments
Cheaper, untaxed cigarettes are disproportionately used by lower-income smokers, people with less formal education and heavier smokers — groups more vulnerable to both economic strain and health risks.
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SOUTH AFRICA

More than half the cigarettes sold in South Africa are illegal, new research shows

Illicit cigarettes make up about 60% of South Africa’s market, according to research from the University of Cape Town, raising alarm over lost tax revenue and growing public…

  • Sheree Bega
3 min read
We talked to Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, a member of the WHO’s study group on tobacco product regulation, about the 2025 WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, and the Tobacco Bill. (Vaping360/Flickr)
BIG TOBACCO

‘Vapes are safe alternatives to smoking’ — and other lies they tell us

With fewer people smoking cigarettes globally, the tobacco industry is using its well-honed tactics to increase sales of electronic devices like vapes and heated tobacco products

  • Zano Kunene
6 min read
BATSA

Tobacco industry calls Dlamini-Zuma’s bid to appeal ban a costly folly

The minister could spend the state’s money on fighting Covid-19 and cigarette cartels, tobacco manufacturers argue

  • Emsie Ferreira
4 min read