British American Tobacco South Africa, commonly referred to as BATSA, has announced that it will cease all local cigarette manufacturing and close its only production plant in Heidelberg, Gauteng, by the end of 2026. This represents a major shift for the company, which has had a manufacturing presence in South Africa for decades. While this move marks the end of local production, BATSA will continue to operate in South Africa by importing and distributing its products, rather than producing them domestically. This is a strategic decision driven largely by economic and market realities rather than a full corporate exit from the country. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with Tax Justice SA, Yusuf Abramjee and South Africa Tobacco Transformation Alliance, Francios van de Merwe.