Heidelberg Community Expresses Concerns Over Tobacco Bill Impact on Local Economy

Durban – In a significant public hearing, residents of the Greater Sedibeng District Municipality expressed deep concerns to the Portfolio Committee on Health about the potential economic impact of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The hearing, held at the Heidelberg Town Hall in Gauteng, witnessed strong opposition from many participants who fear the Bill could severely harm their district’s economy, heavily reliant on a local tobacco producing company.

According to Parliament of South Africa, the Bill in its current form could squeeze compliant tobacco businesses and trigger an influx of illicit cigarette traders in the market. They highlighted that this could have a detrimental effect on the contribution of legitimate tobacco producers to the national fiscus. Concerns were also raised about the Bill’s enforcement mechanism, deemed inadequate, as evidenced by the increased consumption of tobacco products during the lockdown period when their sale was prohibited.

Contrary to the Bill’s intent, some participants argued that tobacco consumption is not the problem. They emphasized that unemployment and lack of information are the root causes of high tobacco product consumption. They urged the government to address issues of drugs and illicit tobacco products instead.

Another point of contention was the regulation of electronic delivery systems and tobacco products under the same legislation. Critics of the Bill argued that it overlooks harm reduction strategies and fails to provide alternatives to combustible cigarettes, which pose significant health risks.

However, there was also support for the Bill. Proponents dispelled the misconception that the Bill intends to ban tobacco consumption, emphasizing its goal to regulate tobacco products and protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke. Supporters welcomed the designation of smoke-free zones and argued that plain packaging and restrictions on point-of-sale displays could deter compulsive consumption and prevent the creation of new, younger smokers.

Advocates also highlighted the need to regulate the tobacco industry to reduce the disease burden and associated healthcare costs, estimated at R40 billion by the Department of Health. They stressed the importance of regulating electronic delivery systems, especially given their rising popularity among the youth.

The committee acknowledged the high turnout at the hearing, emphasizing its role in strengthening South Africa’s democratic process. The second leg of the Gauteng public participation process is scheduled at the Westonoria Banquet Hall.

The Tobacco Bill aims to enhance public health protection measures, align South African tobacco control law with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention, and repeal the existing Tobacco Control Act of 1993. Key proposals include smoke-free indoor public places and certain outdoor areas, a ban on cigarette vending machines, plain packaging with health warnings, a ban on point-of-sale displays, and regulations for electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems.

The public hearings in Gauteng Province continue, with sessions planned for the West Rand Region and the Tshwane Region.