Activist slams regional tobacco institute

The Anti-Tobacco Network (ATN) official, Bontle Mbongwe has dismissed claims by the Tobacco Institute of Southern Africa (TISA) that a 30 percent levy on tobacco products would tamper with the spirit of the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) agreement.

TISA recently released a statement criticising the government of Botswana for the levy, which they say, will eradicate trade harmonisation and hamper free flow of goods within the SACU community.

TISA said that the levy would create a conducive environment for drug smuggling in Botswana, as more and more traders will escape high costs of compliance by illegally trading at cheaper prices on the black market.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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