The Free Market Foundation recently hosted a talk about the regulation of tobacco in South Africa.
The talk in Bryanston was attended by three key speakers who spoke about different issues that surround the government’s decision to implement laws in an attempt to change the laws that govern smokers and organisations that promote the exchange of tobacco. The government proposed that taxation on tobacco be increased, the display area for tobacco reduced to one square metre in stores and the branding on tobacco removed.
The key speakers agreed that the new policies appear to over-regulate the industry, and highlighted what they wish to achieve. CEO of Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (Tisa) Francois van der Merwe, provided an update on the tobacco industry; the important role it plays within a socio-economic context and some of the challenges facing the industry.
Van der Merwe spoke about the collaboration between Tisa and FMF and key issues they aim to achieve. “We aim to raise awareness in the community and to consumers about the tabacco industry and their rights,” he said.
Jeremy Sampson, group executive chairperson of Interbrand Sampson, discussed the government’s proposal to remove branding from tobacco in South Africa. Sampson believed – inspite of the government’s proposal to remove packing from cigarettes – that brands were worth nurturing and protecting.
Director of FMF Temba Nolutshungu spoke about the state of tobacco being regulated in South Africa and how consumers have the right to choose what they consume. “The proposed policies by the government in connection with tobacco regulations need to be investigated and questioned by society. I believe in advocating freedom of choice in society and to consumers,” he said.
