The ban on smoking during South Africa's lockdown has earned criminal syndicates at least R6 billion so far, estimates Johann van Loggerenberg, author of Tobacco Wars.

As of Thursday (15/05/2020)South African online stores may sell any product other than booze and cigarettes under Alert Level 4.

Restrictions on retail and e-commerce during Alert Level 4 will be reduced by new rules soon, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday night – but he provided no further detail.

South African stores can only sell shoes if they are “closed toe,” and short-sleeved shirts if they are promoted or displayed to be worn under jackets or jerseys, according to the latest list of government rules that spell out what’s allowed during a nationwide lockdown.

South Africa recently ended a strict five-week lockdown after the country moved to level 4 under the new 5-level COVID-19 alert system.

The first punch has been thrown at President Cyril Ramaphosa and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Dr Nkosana Dlamini Zuma by one of the associations fighting for the ban on cigarette sales to be lifted during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The new rules and regulations for South Africans under lockdown level 4 from May were gazetted on Wednesday night.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, has explained government’s decision to ban the sale of ‘hot foods’ during South Africa’s coronavirus lockdown.

Woolworths legal advice suggests government could face a substantial legal claim.