FITA confident in case brought against SARS over CCTV cameras in tobacco factories

JOHANNESBURG - The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (FITA) says it’s confident in the case it’s brought against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) over the installation of CCTV cameras in its members’ factories and warehouses.

In 2022, SARS introduced a new rule allowing CCTV cameras to be installed at tobacco manufacturers’ premises.

However, in May this year, the High Court in Pretoria granted FITA an interdict effectively putting implementation on ice pending the finalisation of an application to review and set aside the rule.

The matter was back in court on Monday for arguments on an application for leave to appeal from SARS.

READ: FITA says court bid to stop SARS installing CCTV cameras in factories to protect employee rights

FITA chair Sinenhlanhla Mnguni: "We’re confident in the merits of our case and we want to protect the rights and interests of not only our members, but of role players in the tobacco industry, their employees and any other interested and affected parties."

While SARS insists that the new rule is aimed at reining in illicit activity in the industry, FITA has labelled it “draconian”.

"We feel that it is an unconstitutional rule which has only been implemented in countries which are not known for their respect of a Constitution like South Africa. I mean it’s been applied in dictatorships, and we certainly don't want to be party to a dispensation which imposes draconian rules which only take place in authoritarian states."