Soweto Business Access strives to be a game changer in the township economy. The lockdown has had unintended consequences, which are ripping the fabric of the community apart. 30% of the youth are being forced to sell illegal cigarettes instead of being fruit and veg vendors... are we creating criminals by design? Sharing cigarettes due to exorbitant black market prices is a factor in the rapid spread of Covid-19. Mphuthi Mphuthi, Chairperson of Soweto Business Access (SBA), is encouraging government to listen to the people and #LiftTheBan. To join forces, go to lifttheban.org - in association with SATTA.
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What are the personal effects of lockdown on tobacco farmers? Considering the crop cycle, how do we protect the tobacco industry beyond lockdown, by allowing them to continue farming? How many jobs will be lost if the tobacco industry is not reopened immediately? Is government endorsing the illegal trade of cigarettes? How will this banning of the tobacco industry affect the commercialisation of black farmers? Jabulani Tembe is the Secretary of the Black Tobacco Farmers Association (BTFA) and he is urging all South Africans to join the #LiftTheBan movement at lifttheban.org - in association with SATTA.
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24.07.20 Pt 2 - Are smokers not getting enough love from society? Shaka's story is being retold - this time, with a budget. The team questions whether twins are inherently evil, if it’s weird to date your technology, and if the smell of a burning cat should cause one to panic. Covid is one thing, but remember: there was a time when you might be impaled for being in the wrong tribe...
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When lockdown was imposed, perhaps it should have been considered how value chains work. What cost does the tobacco ban have to the tax coffers? Has the government been in communication with all stakeholders in the value chain to ensure they’re prepared to reopen when the time comes? Finally, what are the societal implications of the ban? Johnny Moloto is working with SATTA and he unpacks the current reality for the tobacco industry. For more info go to lifttheban.org
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Stacks of Flax
31.07.20 Pt 2 - Fellow South Africans... 'Maaarkel' says you must be 'maaandfool' as an exercise in conflict resolution. Do we still need formal clothing for a corporate job in lockdown? Are you perfect as you are, or can you improve constantly? Is South Africa's summer going to be busy... or just face masks in the heat? What hobbies have you picked up during lockdown?
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