British American Tobacco case postponed until early August

It was announced late on Thursday evening that British American Tobacco South Africa’s (Batsa) case against Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma decision to ban the sale of cigarettes will be heard next week.

Batsa was arguing that the decision on the ban on cigarette sales is irrational and based on bad evidence. There has been another hiccup to events as the matter has now been postponed to August.

While hard-hitting arguments were expected to be heard next Tuesday, the U-turn by the court has not settled well with Batsa, who have protested the postponement.

Batsa had in a statement indicated that following instructions from the judge president of the Western Cape High Court on 23 June 2020, Batsa agreed with the state attorney that its application to set aside the ban on the sale of tobacco products would be heard on 30 June.

“The initial date of 22 June could not be accommodated because of scheduling complications.”

All parties agreed that the matter was urgent and they were eager to have it heard as soon as possible.

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