Organisations to protest ban on cigarettes

Smokers United SA and Smokers against SA Cigarette Ban are taking to the streets on July 8 from Brakpan to Boksburg and back in an illegal protest to lift the ban on cigarette sales during lockdown.

“I write on behalf of Smokers United SA and Smokers against SA Cigarette Ban, organisations representing millions of South African citizens who choose to smoke cigarettes, tobacco or related products,” said one of the protest organisers, Trevor Terblanche.

According to Terblanche, Smokers United SA submitted a memorandum with 650 000 signatures attempting relief for the suffering of smokers and the negative impact on their physical, as well as mental, health, as a direct consequences of sudden nicotine withdrawal. 

https://benonicitytimes.co.za/394491/young-man-uses-lockdown-restrictions-to-start-a-business/

“All have been unsympathetically ignored by government in a most draconian manner.

“But even more ominously, it now appears that South African citizens have been deprived of yet another constitutional right – the right to protest.

“For the past two weeks, Smokers United SA has been engaging with city officials, nationally, for permission and permits to protest the smoking ban, to no avail.”

Terblanche wrote to the president, city officials, traffic departments, EMS, law enforcement, government and members of parliament, stating:

“SmokersUnited SA and Smokers against SA Cigarette Ban have now been forced by the intransigence into civil disobedience and are now informing you that on July 8, we will be proceeding with a peaceful smoking ban drive-along without any permission or permits.”

https://benonicitytimes.co.za/394613/obtaining-your-divers-license/

“On March 26, South Africa’s citizens were deprived of making their choice when a blanket-ban on smoking was arbitrarily handed down by government.

“Government’s ban on smoking has now been in place for nearing four months, with zero communication or instruction from government on when this ban may be lifted.

“Every day Sars loses an average of R35-million in much-needed revenue, while thousands of tobacco farmers are losing their income and livelihoods.

“The illicit cigarette trade is growing exponentially every week. These illegal cigarettes are not regulated and do not follow any legal standards to their manufacturing, causing unknown health risks.

“Various civil rights organisations, as well as the media, have been informed of our intentions. We insist that smokers be allowed to practise their right to protest without hindrance or persecution.

“Smokers United SA is committed to ensuring our protest action will be peaceful and as non-disruptive as possible.”