High Smoking Rates in South Africa: GATS 2021 Report

According to a recent report by SA News, the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report shows that smoking rates in South Africa remain high, with daily smokers smoking an average of 8.5 cigarettes per day.

According to recent data from GATS, 29.4% of adults in South Africa smoke, with an average age of 17.6 when they start smoking. The proportion of male smokers (41.7%) exceeds that of female smokers (17.9%). Currently, the most prevalent region for tobacco use in South Africa is the Northern Cape Province, followed by the Western Cape Province, with the least prevalent being the Limpopo Province.

Additionally, 2.2% of people in the survey reported using e-cigarettes, with 3.8% of men and 0.7% of women using them. 3.1% of adults used hookah or bubble gum. Among those who use e-cigarettes, 70.3% said they enjoy it, 67.5% said they like the taste, 45.1% believe e-cigarettes are less harmful than tobacco, and 43.5% said they were influenced by friends or family members who use e-cigarettes.

The head of research at the South African Department of Health, Jeanette Hunter, has noticed a rising trend of tobacco and e-cigarette use among young people. She stated that scientists have provided enough evidence for countries to take actions to limit the use of these new generation products.

For this reason, as a nation, we have amended the existing Tobacco Control Act (1993 Act No. 83) to include regulations on the use of electronic delivery systems (e-cigarettes). Currently, this amendment is in the process of being reviewed by parliament.

After discovering that 44.5% of adults in South Africa are exposed to secondhand smoke, Hunter emphasized the importance of the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed spaces.

At the same time, as part of the recommendations, Catherine Egbe of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) emphasized the importance of implementing tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and a comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising and promotion, especially targeting young people.

Furthermore, Egbe believes that if parliament passes the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Act of 2022, it will help reduce the burden of long-term smoking and tobacco-related diseases.