Illicit cigarette market smokes out SA's black tobacco farmers

Tobacco alliance warns legal industry faces total collapse

- By Boitumelo Kgobotlo

South Africa is witnessing the rapid decline in emerging black farmers as the space is experiencing a sharp decline due to illicit tobacco markets.

This was revealed during a meeting of the portfolio committee on health in Parliament on Thursday, as members considered the impact of the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.

The committee heard that of the 150 once active black tobacco farmers in the country, only 10 remain.

The committee listened to submissions from AgriSA and Agribiz, two organisations representing the agricultural sector, particularly the tobacco industry.

The presentation outlined the industry crisis as it is challenged by falling numbers of legal farmers, shrinking rural economies and the growing dominance of the illicit cigarette trade.

AgriSA's Janse Rabie said the dramatic fall highlights the economic toll of recent policies and also an urgent need to support transformation and inclusion in the agricultural sector.

In total, South Africa has suffered a loss of 49% of its tobacco farmers in six years - from 322 in 2019 to 165.