BAT South Africa (BATSA) today announced it will cease local production of factory manufactured cigarettes (FMC) and close its sole South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, because of the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the local market. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dale McKinley Economist.

BAT South Africa (BATSA) today announced it will cease local production of factory manufactured cigarettes (FMC) and close its sole South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, because of the devastating impact of the illicit cigarette trade on the local market. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dale McKinley Economist.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you’re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast is a fast-paced three-hour news and current affairs show, alternating between the latest breaking news, political coverage, analysis, sport, market reports, weather and all your calls. Whether you&rsquo;re in business, the public service or just want to stay informed, tune in as Thabiso TT Tema connects you to your world.

POWER Breakfast

Illicit cigarette trade forces BAT SA to shut SA manufacturing operation

The United States government has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a major expansion of its immigration restrictions. The decision, announced by the State Department on January 14, 2026, will take effect on January 21, 2026, and is part of the Trump administration’s intensified efforts to tighten entry standards and reduce reliance on public assistance. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dr Kingsley Makhubela.

 

The United States government has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, a major expansion of its immigration restrictions. The decision, announced by the State Department on January 14, 2026, will take effect on January 21, 2026, and is part of the Trump administration&rsquo;s intensified efforts to tighten entry standards and reduce reliance on public assistance. Thabiso Tema spoke to Dr Kingsley Makhubela.
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US Suspends Immigrant Visa Processing for Nationals of 75 Countries

Uganda’s national election on Thursday was marked by tension, heavy security, and a government‑imposed internet blackout as President Yoweri Museveni in power since 1986 sought to extend his rule into a fifth decade. The vote has drawn international scrutiny, allegations of repression, and fears of undermining democratic norms. Thabiso Tema spoke to Mercy Kanyesigye independent candidate for the National Female Youth MP in Uganda.

Uganda&rsquo;s national election on Thursday was marked by tension, heavy security, and a government‑imposed internet blackout as President Yoweri Museveni in power since 1986 sought to extend his rule into a fifth decade. The vote has drawn international scrutiny, allegations of repression, and fears of undermining democratic norms. Thabiso Tema spoke to Mercy Kanyesigye independent candidate for the National Female Youth MP in Uganda.

Uganda’s Long Serving President Museveni Seeks to Extend Rule Amid Tense, Heavily Policed Election Under Internet Blackout

Lieutenant‑General Dumisani Khumalo, head of the South African Police Service’s Crime Intelligence division, told Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday that he has been the target of a “well‑orchestrated misinformation campaign” as a result of decisions he made to clean up fraud and corruption within the unit. Thabiso Tema spoke to Khusela Diko Whips of Study Group on Ad Hoc committee.

Lieutenant‑General Dumisani Khumalo, head of the South African Police Service&rsquo;s Crime Intelligence division, told Parliament&rsquo;s Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday that he has been the target of a &ldquo;well‑orchestrated misinformation campaign&rdquo; as a result of decisions he made to clean up fraud and corruption within the unit. Thabiso Tema spoke to Khusela Diko Whips of Study Group on Ad Hoc committee.

Illicit cigarette trade forces BAT SA to shut SA manufacturing operation

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