In an affidavit filed with the high court in Pretoria today, May 27, Co-operative Governance & Traditional affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma explained the reasons behind the highly controversial tobacco ban.
According to TimesLive, the affidavit is in response to the application brought forth by the Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) for the government to lift the ban.
Dlamini-Zuma explains in the court papers that the temporary ban during lockdown was put in place to protect human life and health, as well as to reduce the potential strain on the healthcare system. Dlamini-Zuma also adds that the ban could lead to many young and old smokers to quit the habit.
“The constitution imposes positive duties on the state to protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights, including the right to life and the right to have access to health-care services,” Dlamini-Zuma said.
“Empirical evidence shows that the health benefits of stopping smoking begin soon after quitting.”