South Africa’s Tobacco and Vaping Bill Still Likely a Year Away
South Africa's tobacco and vaping bill faces further delays, potentially taking another year to become law, due to political and informational hurdles.Summary
Professor Lekan Ayo-Yusuf of the University of Pretoria estimates that South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill will not be enacted for at least another year, with implementation regulations also facing delays. Ayo-Yusuf attributes these delays to disinformation, political distractions, and a lack of urgency within the parliamentary process. He argues that this slow progress benefits the tobacco and vaping industries, creating a regulatory gap as vaping products become increasingly popular, particularly among young people. While acknowledging the need to combat illicit cigarette trade, Ayo-Yusuf emphasizes that tobacco regulation is primarily a public health concern. The bill has recently received support from the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, who view it as beneficial for the poor and supportive of development, believing strong tobacco control reduces healthcare costs and protects public welfare, and that illicit trade should be addressed through enforcement.
(Source：Tobacco Reporter)
