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A person smoking an e-cigarette
Deputy Health Minister Dr. Joe Phaahla says the glamorisation of vaping and flavoured tobacco products is fueling a worrying trend among South African teenagers.
Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death globally, burdening public health systems.
The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill ,which seeks to enforce plain packaging and expand smoke free public areas, is currently before Parliament.
#WorldNoTobaccoDay Deputy Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla arriving at the World No-Tobacco Day Media and stakeholder networking session in Midrand.
Objectives included highlighting tobacco control issues emanating from the legislative development process of the Tobacco Control Bill. pic.twitter.com/43LeHwACbB
— National Department of Health (@HealthZA) June 2, 2025
Speaking at the World No Tobacco Day stakeholder engagement session in Midrand, Johannesburg, Phaahla said the rise in teen vaping is alarming and it’s fuelling a new generation of nicotine addiction.
Phaahla emphasises that a recent study revealed that 1 in 5 high school learners is currently vaping with some classes reporting figures as high as 1 in 3, or even in some cases, 1 out of every 2 learners already been involved with this product.
“These young people are being hooked on nicotine early placing them at them at risk of anxiety, depression, poor school performance and other long term health consequences,” adds Phaahla.
Video | Health Department observes No-Tobacco Day session: Dr Joe Phaahla
