Ramaphosa on tobacco ban: Nothing wrong with govt changing its mind
President Cyril Ramaphosa has again defended the U-turn on the decision to allow the sale of tobacco products – saying it was made in the interest of people's health.
Cooperative Governance Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma announced on the eve of the introduction of the level four lockdown that the sale of tobacco products would remain prohibited.
This came in spite of an earlier announcement by Ramaphosa that the ban would be lifted.
This sparked speculation that Dlamini-Zuma overruled Ramaphosa on the decision to lift the ban.
Speaking in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday, Ramaphosa reiterated that the decision was made following consultations.
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"We are a very consultative government and we consult on a number of issues and there are many people who have come accustomed to that.
"As much as we have decided on the issue and if our people raise their concern we listen and re-examine and that is precisely what happened.
"It just so happened that it was done on a very controversial issue and we accept that.”
He added that the health of South Africans was one of the main considerations.
"We heard the serious concerns that were being by people, health-wise and all that and we changed our position.
"There's nothing wrong whatsoever in any one of us changing our minds."
"So this bruhaha on this issue should not be there because none of us is pursuing any interests. the only interest we are pursuing is the health of our people."