With a verdict expected soon, Fita have gone for the Hail Mary.

While the source is still unknown, Fita have not dragged their heels.

Therefore, the legal teams believe that Fita's leave to appeal should not be granted.

Fita themselves have acknowledged the frustrations and explained why the process has been protracted:

We are expecting a fierce response to these allegations from both BATSA and FITA.

Lawyers representing Fita and the government locked horns on Wednesday.

Fita may be down, but they are not out.

May 26: Fita will be seeking an order declaring cigarettes and tobacco products are essential goods.

A legal challenge from FITA has fallen short twice, but BATSA have confidence in their case.

The latest development were shared by Fita chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni on social media on Saturday morning.

FITA claims that citizens have been smoking despite the ban which, therefore, leaves it with no basis.

Fita tweeted on Monday 8 June that the judges would take two days to consider the arguments.

Fita's legal team is expecting a verdict on whether they can challenge the ban in the coming weeks.

For the past month, the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) has been leading the charge.

The Fair-Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita) have a date in court with the government on Tuesday.

Fita Chairperson Sinenhlanhla Mnguni says the original post is in line with Government's intentions regarding the tobacco ban.