End Illicit Tobacco Trade in South Africa

We, the undersigned citizens and organizations of South Africa, urgently call on the government to take decisive action against the growing crisis of illicit tobacco trade in our country. This illegal activity is not only crippling our economy but also endangering public health, fueling organized crime, and undermining national development.

The Problem The illicit tobacco trade has reached alarming levels, with research showing that nearly 58% of cigarettes sold in South Africa are illegal. This has led to:

• Massive Revenue Loss: The South African government loses over R17 billion annually in tax revenue, money that could have been used to improve public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
• Increased Crime: The trade funds organized crime syndicates, contributing to corruption, smuggling, and violence in our communities.
• Public Health Risks: Illicit cigarettes often contain harmful substances and lack regulatory oversight, exposing smokers to even greater health hazards.
• Youth Accessibility: Cheap illegal cigarettes make smoking more accessible to minors, undermining efforts to reduce youth smoking rates.

Our Demands We demand that the South African government takes the following steps to combat illicit tobacco trade effectively:

1. Strengthen Border Controls: Deploy advanced surveillance and customs technologies to prevent smuggling of illegal tobacco products into the country.
2. Enforce Stricter Penalties: Introduce severe penalties for individuals and organizations involved in the production, distribution, and sale of illicit tobacco products.
3. Enhance Law Enforcement Collaboration: Increase resources for law enforcement agencies to disrupt networks involved in illicit trade and collaborate with international partners to target transnational syndicates.
4. Raise Public Awareness: Launch comprehensive campaigns to educate the public about the economic, health, and social consequences of supporting the illicit tobacco market.
5. Support the Legal Industry: Work with legitimate tobacco producers and retailers to create a sustainable framework that ensures compliance with laws and reduces the incentive for illegal activities.

Why This Matters The illicit tobacco trade affects all South Africans. It robs our country of resources, compromises public safety, and puts lives at risk. Addressing this issue is essential for:

• Protecting our economy and creating sustainable job opportunities.
• Funding critical public services like hospitals and schools.
• Safeguarding public health and reducing smoking-related illnesses.
• Disrupting criminal networks that exploit our communities.

Our Commitment As citizens of South Africa, we stand united in the fight against illicit tobacco trade. We pledge our support to the government in taking bold and necessary actions to combat this crisis.

We Request Your Immediate Action We urge the government to prioritize this issue and implement the measures outlined above without delay. The future of our economy, the safety of our communities, and the health of our citizens depend on it.

Yours faithfully,
Clear The Air