President Cyril Ramaphosa conceded on Sunday that reversal of regulations to ban the sale of cigarettes under Level 4 should have been communicated by him, adding that he was not undermined and that the decision was based on rigorous research and scientific advice.
Ramaphosa was speaking during an engagement with members of the South African National Editors’ Forum during a virtual meeting.
“I have been saying to the ministers let us make sure that our communication is clear, direct and that we not contradict or misinterpret our regulations,” said Ramaphosa.
He said the change to keep the ban on cigarettes came about as a result of a flurry of concerns and objections raised by a number of South Africans after it was announced that tobacco products will be sold.
He admitted that he should have been the one to communicate the change in the decision.
Focusing on the state
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