‘Vaping is not a safe form of smoking'

AS the world marks World No Tobacco Day today, May 31, young people led the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) march in Durban calling out the tobacco industry for deliberately marketing vaping products to teenagers and younger children.
The march, also attended by Nkosikhona Mpungose, the chairperson of the South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum, was held on Friday, in preparation for the big day. It was held in conjunction with the movement in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Mpungose, who was very vocal against the use of tobacco by young people, called for stricter measures to be put in place by government to limit the use of e-cigarettes by the youth. He said, 'We need to sensitise society, especially the youth, about the dangers of tobacco.
'What the industry is doing to our youth is concerning. Young people need to be aware of what they are consuming because most of them don't even know that these electric cigarettes have tobacco in them and flavours that are dangerous to their health.'
Also Read: Tobacco companies are targeting teens, says CANSA
His sentiments were shared by Lorraine Govender, CANSA health promotions manager, who said, 'There is a high use of e-cigarettes by our youth and we are very concerned about the tactics that are being used by the tobacco industry in creating a new group of people who are addicted to nicotine. With this march we are raising awareness and telling government that we are in support of the Tobacco Control Bill.'
This year's theme for World No Tobacco Day is Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing the Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products. It's about revealing how the tobacco and nicotine industries make their harmful products seem attractive, particularly to young people, through manipulative marketing, appealing flavours and deceptive product designs.
A memorandum of demands was submitted by the demonstrators. In it they called on the Portfolio Committee on Health to continue prioritising the health of the nation and expedite the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
Also Read: #WorldNoTobaccoDay: 'Commit to quit,' says Heart and Stroke Foundation
They will also emphasise that delays will lead to increased recruitment of young individuals by the tobacco industry, resulting in higher rates of nicotine addiction and tobacco-related illnesses, including cancer.
Minenhle Dlamini, CANSA's tobacco control programme co-ordinator and social worker, said, 'In spite of claims that vaping is a 'harmless alternative' to smoking, there is ever-increasing evidence of serious health risks. These risks include nicotine addiction, lung damage and the increased likelihood of moving onto traditional tobacco products. A new generation of nicotine-dependent individuals is being created with seemingly innocent flavoured vapes and sleek, tech-inspired designs targeting young consumers.'
For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Citizen

24 minutes ago

• The Citizen

Cansa's new WhatsApp channel delivers credible cancer info

The Cancer Association of South Africa (Cansa) has officially launched its WhatsApp Channel, marking a new chapter in how the 94-year-old organisation connects with the broader public, cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, volunteers and donors. This modern platform offers a convenient, quick, and informative way for all to stay updated and engaged with Cansa's work. The public can follow the Cansa channel on WhatsApp. ALSO READ: Cansa launches virtual cancer support group to combat isolation 'There's nothing old-fashioned about Cansa when it comes to communication,' said spokesperson Lucy Balona. 'With most South Africans using WhatsApp daily, this channel is an easy and familiar way for people to access vital cancer-related information, updates, and support.' Launched internally in March to employees and volunteers, the WhatsApp Channel is now open to the public and steadily gaining traction. It's designed as a trusted space for anyone affected by cancer to stay informed, feel supported, and get involved. 'We've created a space where everyone, from the general public, survivors and their loved ones to medical professionals and advocates, can easily access updates and information', added Balona. ALSO READ: Give back on #GivingTuesday with Cansa's eShop 'The channel helps us raise awareness of our services, upcoming events, and health campaigns while also celebrating stories of hope. 'To combat the current flood of misinformation, the Cansa WhatsApp Channel shares only credible, researched content, and when channel messages are forwarded, they will carry the Cansa name, so recipients can trust that the information comes directly from us.' The channel features: • Expert insights with video and voice notes • Real-time updates on Cansa events and services • Patient support messages and donor thank-you • Volunteer co-ordination and calls to action • Short reports and information bursts on key topics Why join? Cansa provides a wide range of services, from health awareness and lowering of cancer risk information to early detection through cancer screening and stoma support to home-based care, medical equipment hire and psycho-social support. ALSO READ: Football teams come together in support of Cansa The organisation also runs seven Cansa care homes and Cansa-TLC accommodation for families during treatment, along with a free tele-counselling service in nine languages and a national toll-free help desk. 'With this WhatsApp Channel, we're bringing our support, knowledge and care right into your hands – literally. We aim for all to stay informed or supported,' said Balona. Here is the link Subscribers' privacy is respected, with phone numbers hidden and no direct replies possible. Readers can react to posts and share them widely. Profile information and interactions with channel content, like emoji reactions or poll votes, aren't visible to them. They can't see your name, phone number or profile picture. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

eNCA

5 days ago

• eNCA

E-cigarettes at a crossroads: Will SA's Tobacco Bill embrace harm-reduction?

CAPE TOWN - South Africa stands at a pivotal moment in tobacco regulation, as Parliament revisits the controversial Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. The proposed legislation has sparked intense debate between health experts, industry players and policymakers over whether smoke-free alternatives like e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products should be treated as tools for harm-reduction or subjected to the same strict regulations as conventional cigarettes. The bill in its current form would impose sweeping new rules, including plain olive-brown packaging for tobacco products, with graphic health warnings covering 65% of the surface; a complete ban on all tobacco advertising and promotions; restrictions to only tobacco and menthol flavours for vaping products; and prohibitions on public vaping wherever smoking is banned. Crucially, it makes no distinction between traditional cigarettes and cigarette alternatives. Philip Morris International (PMI), which manufactures the IQOS heated tobacco products, has emerged as a leading voice calling for regulatory differentiation. Supplied The company cites peer-reviewed studies showing its products release significantly fewer toxicants than traditional cigarettes. "The science is clear; these products are not risk-free, but they are a better alternative for smokers who won't quit," says PMI vice-president for Sub-Saharan Africa, Branislav Bibic. On the sidelines of the company's Technovation conference in Cape Town, Bibic said the plan was to replace cigarettes with smoke-free products. PMI director of external affairs for Southern Africa, Themba Mathebula, has been vocal about the potential consequences of the bill in its current form. He says by 'applying the same restrictions to scientifically proven reduced-risk products as we do to cigarettes, we're essentially telling smokers there's no reason to switch". PMI argues that South Africa could follow the example of countries such as the UK and Japan, where differentiated regulation has coincided with accelerated declines in smoking rates. Supplied However, health advocacy groups remain sceptical. They point to concerns about youth vaping and argue there is insufficient long-term data on the safety of e-cigarettes. Some lawmakers are also hesitant to embrace products claiming harm-reduction without a formal report from the National Economic Development and Labour Council on the science behind these alternatives. The tobacco debate comes at a critical juncture for South Africa's public health and economy. Proponents of harm-reducing products warn that treating all nicotine products equally could stifle innovation and keep safer alternatives out of reach. Critics counter that lax regulation could lead to new public health challenges. South Africa, therefore, faces a fundamental question: Will it join the growing number of countries incorporating harm-reduction into tobacco control, or will it take a more restrictive path? Whatever decision it makes will have lasting implications for millions of South African smokers and the country's public health landscape.

The Citizen

12-06-2025

• The Citizen

IN PHOTOS: Another annual CANSA Golf Day raises much-needed funds

The annual Kiaat Private Hospital CANSA Golf day was hosted on June 4 at Mbombela Golf Club. Sisters from Kiaat Private Hospital were at the registration area to test the players' blood pressure and sugar levels. 'The day was a big success because of companies that sponsored the event and tees, and entered four-balls. Thank you to each one that took part, as well to those companies that sponsored the pop-a-balloon, raffle prizes and prizes for the winning golfers. Our MC Michelle Buys ended the day on a great note, raising more funds for us with an auction,' said Rinella Jansen van Vuuren, CANSA Lowveld's sustainability co-ordinator. ALSO READ: 83-year-old Sekhukhune athlete makes history at Comrades Anton Botha entertained everyone while they enjoyed something to eat. 'The CANSA committee really worked hard to make this day a success.' Around R100 000 was raised and these funds will help with the following: • Individual and telephone counselling services • CANSA clinic days and early detection programmes • Cancer research funding programmes • Medical equipment and prosthetic supplies • Wig clinics and services • Stoma support • CANSA care homes, centres and Tough Living with Cancer lodges • Support groups and online resources. The betterball Stableford was won by Eric Sithole and Macdonald Lelaka with 50 points. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here