President Mutharika defends tobacco expulsion

Malawi Tobacco

Malawi’s President Bingu wa Mutharika has defended his decision to deport four senior foreign tobacco buyers for flouting minimum price rules.  The four expatriates, including two Chief Executives, work for three of the largest tobacco-buying companies in the country.  

Zuma fires-up Anti-smoking campaign

President Jacob Zuma

South Africa has fired up its anti-smoking campaign with two new laws signed by President Jacob Zuma.  They dramatically increase fines, restrict the marketing of tobacco and also make it illegal for adults to smoke in a car when a child under 12 is present.  

Malawi Kids ‘Absorb 50 Cigarettes A Day’

Tobacco Children

Thousands of children working in Malawi’s tobacco fields are absorbing 50 cigarettes worth of nicotine a day, a rights organisation has warned.The kids experienced an array of nicotine poisoning symptoms, including severe headaches, abdominal pain, muscle weakness and breathlessness, according to a study by Plan.