{"id":29762,"date":"2025-09-21T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-21T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=29762"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:49:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:49:31","slug":"the-role-of-citizens-in-fighting-illegal-cigarettes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-role-of-citizens-in-fighting-illegal-cigarettes\/","title":{"rendered":"Ending the Trade Together: The Role of Citizens in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>South Africa is losing over R28 billion every year due to the illicit cigarette trade. The black market not only drains the public purse but also undermines health campaigns and destroys legal jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Role of Citizens in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes has never been more important. As buyers, voters, and whistle-blowers, citizens can help stop this growing crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-illicit-cigarette-trade\">What Is the Illicit Cigarette Trade?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illicit cigarettes are products sold without paying the proper taxes. Often, they are smuggled into the country, or produced locally without SARS oversight. They are sold cheaply, sometimes for as little as R10 per pack, far below the legal minimum collectible tax (MCT) of <strong>R26.22<\/strong> per pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn how to spot illegal packs\u00a0in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/the-r26-22-rule-how-to-tell-if-your-cigarettes-are-legal-or-not\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>\u00a0The\u00a0R26.22 Rule: How to Tell if Your Cigarettes Are Legal or\u00a0Not\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>and\u00a0protect yourself from illicit trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3766599593\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-is-satta-and-why-their-voice-matters\">Who Is SATTA and Why Their Voice Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance (SATTA) is a coalition of legal tobacco growers, processors, and manufacturers. It has become a leading voice against the illicit trade and works to educate the public, inform policymakers, and push for enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tobaccotransformationalliance.co.za\/new-consumer-campaign-launched-against-illicit-cigarettes\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">According to SATTA:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cBuying a pack of 20 for less than the MCT means supporting illicit trade\u2026 Let\u2019s buy legal and protect the legal tobacco industry.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-the-trade-harms-public-services\">How the Trade Harms Public Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illicit trade deprives government of essential revenue. The billions lost annually could fund:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Hospitals and clinics<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>School infrastructure<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Social grants<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Police and SARS enforcement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>2024 SATTA fact sheet<\/strong> shows that as illicit trade rises, legal cigarette sales drop \u2014 weakening the government&#8217;s ability to collect sin taxes intended for public services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-546695462\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-citizens-are-the-first-line-of-defence\">Citizens Are the First Line of Defence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The average person can spot illegal cigarettes using:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Price<\/strong>: Below R22 is a red flag.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diamond stamp<\/strong>: Legal packs have a visible SARS diamond stamp.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retail source<\/strong>: Cigarettes sold from car boots, corners, or spaza shops at unrealistic prices are likely illicit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SATTA\u2019s campaign urges South Africans:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIf it\u2019s too cheap, it\u2019s not legal.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1758211189-731x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-29763\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">How to Spot Illegal Cigarettes\/Image: SATTA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-role-of-citizens-in-fighting-illegal-cigarettes\">The Role of Citizens in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This issue affects everyone, and that\u2019s why The Role of Citizens in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes is so critical. Here\u2019s how everyday actions can make a difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t buy cheap, illegal cigarettes<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Report suspicious sellers<\/strong> to SARS or SATTA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share awareness with others<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Support policy changes<\/strong> and vote for accountability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>By taking these steps, citizens choke off demand for criminal networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read our in-depth guide on the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/roadmap-to-2030-south-africa-illicit-cigarette-trade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roadmap to 2030: How South Africa Can Slash the Illicit Cigarette <\/a>Trade<\/strong> for actionable policy steps and expert insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-399115817\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-illegal-cigarettes\">What to Do If You Suspect Illegal Cigarettes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SATTA provides an easy-to-use <a href=\"https:\/\/tobaccotransformationalliance.co.za?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>reporting portal<\/strong> on their website:<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect illegal trade:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Take note of location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Describe the seller and product<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Estimate the price and brand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You can report anonymously. Every tip helps SARS and SAPS act faster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-profits-from-the-illicit-trade\">Who Profits from the Illicit Trade?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Tax Justice SA and media reports, organised crime syndicates are often behind cigarette smuggling. Some local manufacturers may also be involved in under-declaring production to avoid taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.news.uct.ac.za\/images\/userfiles\/downloads\/media\/2024_03_26_LostRevenue.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">UCT researcher <\/a><strong>Corn\u00e9 van Walbeek<\/strong> notes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cIn a market with such a large illicit component, an increase in the excise tax becomes much less potent as a tobacco control tool.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>This undercuts both tax collection and public health efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-708861874\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-health-risks-more-than-just-money\">Health Risks: More Than Just Money<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Illicit cigarettes are not regulated for content. They may contain:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Excess nicotine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dangerous toxins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mould or contaminants from poor storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tobaccotransformationalliance.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/SATTA-fact-sheet-2-FINAL.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A SATTA study<\/a> revealed that South Africans are smoking more overall, but fewer are using legally monitored products. That\u2019s a major risk to public health, especially among youth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-jobs-lost-and-farmers-hurt\">Jobs Lost and Farmers Hurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Every illegal pack sold puts <strong>legal jobs at risk<\/strong>. South Africa\u2019s legal tobacco sector has already lost thousands of jobs, from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Small-scale tobacco farmers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manufacturing workers<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Retailers and distributors<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>SATTA\u2019s 2023 report shows a sharp decline in legal cigarette volumes,  down from 20.5 billion sticks in 2013 to 13 billion in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2611991113\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-track-and-trace-matters-and-how-citizens-can-push-for-it\">Why Track-and-Trace Matters \u2013 and How Citizens Can Push for It<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A <strong>track-and-trace system<\/strong> would allow SARS to monitor cigarette packs from factory to point-of-sale. Delays in implementing this system give illicit traders room to grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Citizens and civil society can <strong>pressure Parliament<\/strong> to fast-track legislation and modernise enforcement tech. SATTA calls for <strong>urgency<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cWe support the idea to declare illicit trade a national priority crime.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Discover how <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/track-and-trace-technology-stop-cigarette-smuggling\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Track-and-Trace: The Technology That Could Stop South Africa\u2019s Cigarette Smuggling<\/a><\/strong> can help dismantle the illegal trade network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-south-africa-s-missed-opportunity-the-who-protocol\">South Africa\u2019s Missed Opportunity: The WHO Protocol<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Shockingly, South Africa has <strong>not ratified<\/strong> the <em>WHO Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products<\/em>. This international treaty is designed to curb cross-border smuggling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By calling on elected leaders to <strong>ratify and implement this treaty<\/strong>, citizens can align SA with global best practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore global solutions\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/who-protocol-in-fighting-illegal-cigarettes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Could\u00a0the WHO Protocol Be the Game-Changer in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes?<\/a>\u00a0and see how South Africa could benefit from adopting it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1398037863\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-public-awareness-satta-s-national-campaign\">Building Public Awareness: SATTA&#8217;s National Campaign<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>SATTA is taking the fight to the streets with the <strong>&#8220;Know What You Smoke&#8221;<\/strong> campaign. It includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Community outreach in Gauteng<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>School-based awareness drives<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partnership with township retailers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Media coverage on IOL, What\u2019s On G, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim is to <strong>educate the public<\/strong> and create a <strong>culture of accountability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/gauteng-image-1758211274-724x1024.png\" alt=\"Gauteng News Image\" class=\"wp-image-29764\" style=\"width:840px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Report Illegal Cigarettes\/ Image: SATTA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-needs-to-change-and-how-you-can-help\">What Needs to Change \u2014 and How You Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Ending the illicit cigarette trade is not only SARS or SAPS\u2019 job. It\u2019s a shared national duty. Here\u2019s what you can do today:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Only buy cigarettes from legal sources<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learn the signs of illegal packs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Share this article to spread awareness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Report all suspicious activity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Back SATTA and civic initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2893603866\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ending-the-trade-together-starts-with-you\">Ending the Trade Together Starts With You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Role of Citizens in Fighting Illegal Cigarettes is not symbolic \u2014 it\u2019s strategic. By changing consumer behaviour, demanding enforcement, and holding traders accountable, we can take back billions for South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s protect our health, our jobs, and our economy \u2014 one pack at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Discover the role of  citizens in fighting illegal cigarettes and how SATTA is protecting jobs, and restoring public revenue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":29765,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Discover the role of  citizens in fighting illegal cigarettes and how SATTA is protecting jobs, and restoring public revenue.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[9974,9978,9973,9976,9975,9979,9972,9977],"class_list":{"0":"post-29762","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-cigarette-smuggling-sa","9":"tag-diamond-stamp-cigarette-pack","10":"tag-illicit-cigarette-trade","11":"tag-public-health-impact-of-smoking","12":"tag-report-illegal-cigarettes","13":"tag-satta-campaign","14":"tag-tobacco-tax-evasion","15":"tag-tobacco-transformation-alliance"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29762","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/11"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29762"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29762\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29766,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29762\/revisions\/29766"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29765"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29762"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29762"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29762"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}