National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry
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National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Tobacco Tactics, updated 03 February 2020, accessed 11 April 2024.
The National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC) is a business chamber in South Africa, established in 1964.1
NAFCOC’s vision is to “be the leading voice of business in South Africa”.1
Background
Key Staff
In December 2018, Sabelo Macingwane was elected NAFCOC President.2
NAFCOC’s previous President was Lawrence Mavundla.3 Mavundla has served as a Council Member of the Free Market Foundation (FMF),4 a right-wing South African think tank which is an Atlas Network partner, and which has a history of working on behalf of the tobacco industry. In 1988 Mavundla received the FMF’s Free Market Award for an “exceptional contribution to the course of Economic Freedom”.4 Mavundla and the FMF worked together in 2016 and 2017 to oppose alcohol regulation in South Africa.56
Relationship with the Tobacco Industry
History of BAT Funding
Internal reports by British American Tobacco (BAT) Industries Plc state that the company provided NAFCOC with financial assistance between 1980 and 1983,78910 as well as assistance with organising business conferences and seminars,1011 and with other “various projects”.12
Later reports suggest BAT made annual financial contributions to NAFCOC between 1986 and at least 1992.1314151617 These reports were filed as part of BAT’s obligations under the European Community’s Code of Conduct for European firms in South Africa, which required companies operating in South Africa to report their progress in relation to advancing wage equality and working for non-white employees.18
As at January 2019, NAFCOC does not publish information about its funding sources on its website.
Opposed Draft South African Tobacco Control Bill
In May 2018 the Government of South Africa announced its intention to introduce the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, aimed at strengthening the country’s tobacco legislation.19 The Bill proposed several measures strongly opposed by the tobacco industry, including Plain Packaging.
NAFCOC expressed strong opposition to this Bill and has argued in the media that:
- The proposed interventions are excessive
- It would compromise individuals’ personal freedom and the right to decide to smoke
- Personal freedoms are protected by the Constitution
- It could effectively mean an “outright ban” on smoking
- It would reduce the right of businesses to compete
- It could lead to an increase in tobacco smuggling.20
A peer-reviewed study from Bath University researchers has found that several of these misleading arguments have been used repeatedly by the tobacco industry in opposition to tobacco control measures.21 The study also showed that the tobacco industry has a history of using third party organisations, in an effort to make its anti-legislation arguments appear more credible.21
For more information on the tobacco industry’s opposition to South Africa’s draft Bill, including the arguments and tactics used, go to South Africa: Industry Interference with the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill.
Relationship with the Alcohol Industry
Supported by SAB Community Trust
SAB Community Trust has described itself as having a close association with NAFCOC for many years, stating it has provided “strong support” to the development of NAFCOC and its Scholarship Fund.22
SAB (South African Breweries) is a subsidiary of AB InBev, the world’s largest beer brewer. Also see: SABMiller.
TobaccoTactics Resources
- South Africa- Country Profile
- Industry Interference with the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill
- Africa’s Tobacco Epidemic
- British American Tobacco in Africa: A History of Double Standards.
- British American Tobacco
- Free Market Foundation
- SABMiller
Relevant Link
