The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) has confirmed that it is in the process of seeking a settlement with the government – effectively ending their legal challenge against the cigarette ban, The South African reported.

The cigarette ban, which had lasted several weeks, was lifted last week when South Africa moved to level 2 of lockdown. Both British American Tobacco and FITA, however, said they would continue their legal battles with the government for fear of another spontaneous return of the ban, the report said.
“Over the course of the last week our legal representatives have been engaged in settlement negotiations with the Office of the State Attorney, acting on behalf of both the COGTA Minister and the President of South Africa. This is with a view to settling the issues still in dispute, with respect to our court challenge.”
“The challenge was taken to the Supreme Court of Appeal, but both parties have now agreed to settle the matter. We wish to thank all of those who supported our organisation in the fight against the cigarette ban,” the tobacco giants said in a statement.