South Africa Tobacco Control Advocacy Urges Government to Prioritize Legislation

According to Citizen's report on August 15th, the Tobacco Control Advocacy Organization in South Africa is urging the Government of National Unity (GNU) to prioritize the passing of the Tobacco Products and E-cigarette Delivery Systems Control Bill. The organization, "Protect Our Next," says that the passage of this bill will help protect the health of the South African people.

The bill aims to restrict smoking in public places, which may include restaurants and certain outdoor public spaces. It prohibits smoking and the use of e-cigarettes in private residences used for commercial child care or education, as well as in cars with children under 18. The bill also aims to regulate the sale and advertising of tobacco products in certain aspects, and specifies the content on packaging.

Zanele Mthembu, the national coordinator of the Smoke-Free Kids South Africa movement, expressed confidence in the current leadership to drive significant progress in tobacco control and ensure stricter regulations.

Under the leadership of Dr. Delorme, one of the responsibilities of the Health Committee is to push through the new legislation currently in parliamentary proceedings.

Mtambu said that the former government is nearing the end of the first phase of public hearings, with only KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Cape provinces yet to hold hearings. The GNU now needs to push forward with this process.

As advocates for public health, we urge the health committee to prioritize passing this bill to safeguard the nation's health.

Dr Catherine Egbe of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) stated that the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey-South Africa (GATS-SA) revealed high rates of tobacco use in South Africa.

She also pointed out that the use of e-cigarettes among young people in South Africa is increasing, sparking concerns about nicotine addiction.

A study by the SAMRC has revealed that a quarter of university students (26%) aged 18 to 24 currently use e-cigarettes, with almost 40% of students stating that they have been consistent users. These numbers can be attributed to the extensive influence of e-cigarette advertising and marketing.

77% of students are exposed to e-cigarette marketing. Students exposed to this marketing are three times more likely to use these products than others.

The youth advocate Lesego Mateme from the South African Tobacco-Free Youth Forum stated that the target audience of the tobacco and e-cigarette industries is young people.

We advocate for a complete ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship, including on digital platforms. Tobacco and emerging tobacco products should be seen as a threat to our generation.

Research from SAMRC suggests that properly implementing smoke-free laws, using graphic health warnings, and banning all tobacco advertising and promotions are effective strategies for reducing smoking behaviors.

Egbert stated that the measures in the bill are an effective strategy to reduce tobacco and e-cigarette use, and should be urgently implemented along with an increase in taxes.

Our government has all the research supporting every evidence-based measure in the bill, and should not be influenced by misinformation.