Westonoria, South Africa – During a public hearing on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, residents of the Greater West Rand District Municipality expressed their desire for distinct regulations for electronic delivery systems. The Portfolio Committee on Health, which hosted the hearing at the Westonoria Banquet Hall yesterday, heard a range of views from local residents.
According to Parliament of South Africa, the current bill’s approach of regulating electronic delivery systems similarly to tobacco products is counterproductive. They argued that such regulation deprives smokers of a less harmful alternative that could assist them in quitting smoking. International studies were cited, suggesting that vapes, as a form of electronic delivery system, are more likely to help smokers quit and are less harmful than combustible cigarettes.
However, the bill also received support from other residents who emphasized its role in protecting non-smokers and the youth. They expressed concerns that marketing strategies, including additional flavors and attractive packaging by companies, are creating a younger nicotine-dependent cohort. These supporters of the bill accused companies of prioritizing profits over people’s wellbeing.
Another significant issue raised during the hearings was job security. Some participants shared personal anecdotes about earning a living through the sale of tobacco products. They feared that the bill’s passage would lead to the closure of small-scale informal businesses reliant on tobacco sales, affecting many families’ livelihoods.
In contrast, supporters of the bill argued that fears of job losses were misconceptions. They believed that investments in healthier industries could create more job opportunities. They also pointed out that healthcare policy, which is the focus of the bill, should be distinguished from employment issues, which are better handled by other departments.
Concerns about enforcement mechanisms in the bill were also raised, with references made to the increased consumption of illicit tobacco products during the COVID-19 lockdown. This was used as evidence of the challenges in enforcing tobacco-related legislation.
Supporters, on the other hand, expressed confidence in the bill’s ability to protect non-smokers from second-hand smoke inhalation dangers.
The committee will host its last Gauteng public hearing today in Pretoria. The bill aims to strengthen public health protection measures, align South African tobacco control law with the World Health Organization Framework Convention, and repeal the Tobacco Control Act, 1993. The proposed changes include making certain areas 100% smoke-free, banning the sale of cigarettes through vending machines, introducing plain packaging with health warnings, and regulating electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems.
The details of the upcoming public hearing in Pretoria are as follows: Sunday, 26th November 2023 at Tshwane House Council Chamber in Pretoria Central, from 10:00 to 15:00.