Smoking prevalence in South Africa is extremely high and has shown little decline in the last decade. This is a clear indication that current tobacco control strategies (sin tax, barriers to advertising, etc) are largely ineffective.
Smoking rate in South Africa*
2010 – 21.00%
2015 – 20.40%
2018 – 20.40%
2019 – 20.30%
2022 – 20.30%
*Percentage of men and women ages 15 and over who smoke any tobacco product on a daily or non-daily basis.
Although there is no official tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategy in South Africa, non-combustible alternatives to smoking (such as vapes and e-cigarettes) have gained popularity, with statistics on use ranging from 2.2% to 4%.
Statistics worldwide show that where smoke-free alternatives are available, acceptable and affordable to adult smokers, smoking rates decline drastically. The latest Cochrane Review finds that smokers stand a higher chance of quitting smoking with the use of e-cigarettes or vapes than with any other nicotine replacement therapies.
Instead of using non-combustible alternatives as the foundation for a THR strategy in Mzansi, the government has demonised vaping to such an extent that smokers, medical personnel, and caregivers often believe it to be more harmful than smoking.
A one-size-fits-all approach to combustible tobacco products and non-combustible alternatives makes the unscientific assumption that all nicotine products are equal in terms of harm caused.
Codifying this approach in the proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill will block access to less harmful smoke-free alternatives for adult smokers who are trying to quit their cigarette habit (which is the aim for 7 of 10 South African smokers).
It is crucial that Parliament engage stakeholders in a meaningful and balanced manner, allowing sufficient time for concerned parties to make written submissions and for an inclusive process of Parliamentary and public hearings. The scientific community, THR proponents and ordinary South Africans (whether they are smokers, vapers, or neither) deserve the opportunity to understand the proposed measures and make their views known
to the Portfolio Committee.
Submissions close on 4th September 2023.
Read more about the proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
Submit your written parliamentary submission here:
Vaping Saved My Life
Vapour Products Association South Africa
