The impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the fiscus has been disastrous. In 2019, excise taxes on domestically produced cigarettes contributed R14-billion to government coffers. By 2023, the contribution of cigarette excise taxes decreased by 35% to R9-billion.
More South Africans are smoking - higher taxes and stronger law enforcement are needed modernghana.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from modernghana.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
SARS is taking the wind out of the sails of tax dodgers, beneficiaries of the proceeds of crime, and those involved in corrupt activities, writes Cyril Ramaphosa in his weekly newsletter.