Two of the world's largest tobacco manufacturers are leading a legal challenge to South Africa's continuing ban on cigarettes and other tabacco products during the nation's prolonged lockdown.

British American Tobacco South Africa (BAT) and Japan Tobacco International (JTI) are joining forces with civil society groups and citizens in mounting a court challenge, according to a statement by JTI.

Meanwhile, in a separate case, the Fair Trade Independent Tobacco Association (Fita's) legal challenge to the ban is expected to be heard on June 9 and 10 before the Pretoria High Court.