The government has failed in its last-ditch bid to delay the hearing of the first legal challenge to its controversial Covid-19 tobacco ban, with the high court in Pretoria refusing to allow the state additional time before the long-awaited case is heard.
In a letter sent last week to Judge Annali Basson, one of the three judges who will hear the case brought against the state by the Free Trade and Independent Tobacco Association , a tobacco lobby group representing smaller cigarette manufacturers, state attorney Arista Wasserman suggested that the case be heard late in June or in July. This was because the government believes the case, which has raised serious questions about the rationality of the ban, is “no longer urgent”.
DlaminiZuma on the guillotine.
Was offered plenty of Zumarettes in public yesterday. Wonder why there’s a ban?
Goverment must stop worry about my health! I am here for a good time, not a long time!!!
All they are doing is delaying and just before they lose they will give in and pretend to be the heroes.
Unathi_Kwaza What is cANCer trying to hide and amend? Hmm...
Why are government trying to delay it when they are so sure of themselves about the smoking debacle?
fita_sa Oh so they wana buy time so that can perhaps create more lies on information.
debbie10873204 UnbanTobaccoSA those of you that don't have to work tomorrow because the government says so, join us. Non smokers too.... you'll suffer too when income tax is increased to make up for the loss in sin tax.
debbie10873204 Good!! We dont need the government to look after out heath. They need to protect our rights. This lockdown has proved that the disaster management act needs to be reviewed. There is far too much power in the hands of a few people under this so called Disaster Management Act.
Well done! Excellent news. Now we have hope for a fair trial 🎈😎
fita_sa HOPEFULLY IF WE WIN THIS CASE FITA CAN HELP 11000000 SMOKERS TO FILE A CLASS ACTION AGAINST THE NCCC ,NOT THE GOVERMENT , SO THE NCCC CAN PAY FOR THEIR MISTAKES.
fita_sa It is so good to see that the Judges in this country are not scared of the corrupt cANCer, and (unlike BAT-SA) not stupid enough to fall for their BS stories and lies. To the judge I say well done and thank you for standing up against tyrants.
fita_sa
Unathi_Kwaza Banning tobacco doesn't mean that u going to contol the spread of corona.smokers are going to share one.maybe one ciggar to 3 pple.think abt it
i am non smoker but this is for our rights.i will agree with any decision as long as it is based on our constitution and bill of rights, and is made independent of any politics.
fita_sa Thank you for not delaying. Can we please get an earlier date like today? It is very urgent and a priority for us. 😀
Well done!
When the Judge is a smoker too - and refuses any further delay ✊
MYANC must be taught a big lesson
CyrilRamaphosa Now that is what we want to see, our Justice system working independent of government. They want delay so as to get to level 2 and then allow purchasing
Gov wants to delay the hearing so by the time it gets to court SA is down to level 2. Gov has already started prepping in the media...so when level 2 comes Gov will say well no need for court...then Gov saves face...no ha ah Gov that trick not gonna work🤣🤚🤣
Thank you High Court....
No longer urgent we are talking about over 10 million people that are affected by this irrational ban and they pull their best trick out of the hat .The guys must fry them .
fita_sa Great! So when can we expect to see the FITA cigs on the shelves again?
fita_sa Yesss. Its ridiculous we can't buy ciggs to smoke in our own homes. All the government has done is push anxiety through the roof with this ban. Thats a bigger problem than smoking i can tell you now.
fita_sa
fita_sa The government should start by banning poverty and unemployment. That's the biggest threat to a figh against covid19. But they are busy demanding slips from smokers. Ridiculous!
Bookworm581 Why they keep wanting to delay this ciggerette ban hearing if they was nothing to hide ?
fita_sa fita_sa SinenMnguni Thank you for standing your ground and taking the government to task with this ban. For standing up against those who stripped away our civil liberties and human rights. Us smokers stand with you and wish you all the best in your court appearance. 👏👏👏
Kuya ngokuthi ungubani, uphila nobani, ungena kwiindawo ezinjani!
fita_sa 'no longer urgent'. Who are these clowns? It was urgent 2 months ago 😡
fita_sa SinenMnguni This is going to be a landmark decision... You are unapologetic and unstoppable Fita... All the best. Thank you. Counsel, drafting, appearances - You stood firm and unshakeable... Always professional 👌🔥♥️
This decision welcomed, let the courts decide if there is an infringement of rights or not.
fita_sa Pity I can't access the whole article. But fuk yeah!
fita_sa
fita_sa Awesome
THANK YOU HIGH COURT for not allowing government to play ping pong with our lives any longer. It is sad to have to say there's no surprise in gov trying to delay the hearing. Sorry gov now you are answering to the one power that stands above you!! Get yourselves some!!
Is about time,
fita_sa 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
An immediate interdict and suspension of the ban against tobacco as the accused should not be allowed the luxury of continuing a contentions issue under the apparent protection of the court. covid19SA LockdownSA
fita_sa Bros and sistas...you have suffered..wake up and smile..😄😄 smoky hugs and love and light 👌👌💋💋💋💜💜💜
fita_sa
fita_sa YEEEESSSSSSS
Basic human rights are not up for political debate or at governments discretion or based on a percentage of the population that believe it will benefit them. The right to responsibility is a basic human right. lockdownSA cigarettes
The fact that the law imposes an age restriction on the sale of alcohol and tobacco suggests that the law recognizes the individuals right to act as a responsible adult. The court should not permit any potentially illegal actions to continue until there is clarity cigarettes
The state is losing this...
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