NCAS AUGUST NEWSLETTER

Fresh Perspectives, Policy News and Research Insights!

This month, action and advocacy took center stage! South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery System Control Bill, gained strong support, a Mpumalanga shop was fined R600,000 for selling illicit cigarettes, youth vaping in Singapore and tobacco use in Zambia draw urgent attention, and a call to apply for the WHO FCTC Youth Photography Contest, which challenges young people worldwide to expose industry tricks and spark change.

South Africa’s Tobacco Control bill gains momentum during Parliamentary public hearings

NCAS emphasises government obligation to WHO FCTC Article 5.3

On the 21^st of August 2025, the National Council Against Smoking presented their oral submission, strongly supporting the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery System Control Bill. The presentation stressed that tobacco use is a public health emergency with severe health and economic costs, especially as youth vaping rises sharply. NCAS argued that South Africa has enough local evidence, and what is needed now is political will to act. The council highlighted the importance of 100% smoke-free public places, strict advertising and point-of-sale restrictions, standardised/plain packaging with strong warnings (including for e-cigarettes), and tighter age and sales controls. The council also emphasised compliance with WHO FCTC Article 5.3 to protect policy from industry interference, debunking myths that regulation fuels illicit trade, and cautioning that vaping is not harm reduction but maintains addiction. Finally, the councils presenters urged for strongly defined language in the bill and expanded cessation support through quitlines and digital tools, positioning the bill as vital to safeguard public health and protect South Africa’s youth. To watch the recording, click on the link.

PON continues to advocate for the next generation

A coalition of young advocates from Protect Our Next (PON) presented their strong support for the bill, on the 26th of August. They highlighted how tobacco and e-cigarettes fuel addiction, tobacco-related disease and  high surge in youth vaping, warning that so-called harm reduction products are hooking a new generation and threatening South Africa’s future generation. Through their national impact campaign in schools and communities, they continue to raise awareness and empower young people to resist addiction. They emphasised that the bill is essential in protecting children, safeguarding public health, and securing healthy future generations. To watch the recording, click in the link.

WHO stressed that South Africa is reducing tobacco use too slowly

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also expressed its strong support for the bill, on 14 August. They warned that tobacco kills over 7 million people globally each year, costs South Africa more than R59 billion annually, and that the-cigarette use is rising rapidly. WHO stressed that South Africa is reducing tobacco use at a slow pace and urged urgent action through smoke-free spaces, plain packaging, health warnings, and strict regulation of nicotine products. They concluded that passing the bill without weakening its provisions is critical to protect children, save lives, and reduce the country’s tobacco burden. To watch this recoding as well, click on thelink.

NOTE:

While oral presentations about the bill have been concluded, recordings of the sessions and the publics oral submissions from April to August 2025 are available on Parliament’s YouTube channel.

News Alert

504 school desks to be donated after shop fined R600,000 for illicit cigarette sales in Mpumalanga

A Mpumalanga shop was fined R600,000 and mandated to buy 504 double-seater desks for local schools after being found guilty of selling over 4,000 packets of illicit cigarettes worth R107,700. Charges against the shopkeeper and two directors were dropped after a plea bargain, with only the company convicted under the Tobacco Products, Customs and Excise, and VAT Acts. Officials praised the case, noting it penalizes the offenders while benefiting the community. Although the company has three months to comply, this outcome demonstrates that enforcing tobacco laws can both hold violators accountable and create tangible positive impacts for public health and education.

Former Health MEC appears at wellness event alongside tobacco industry representative

At a Gauteng women’s wellness event, former health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku emphasised the need for science-driven harm reduction strategies for smokers who cannot quit. Amongst the guests, speakers from Philip Morris International (PMI) highlighted supposed safer alternatives like nicotine pouches, heated tobacco, and e-cigarettes, calling for inclusive, evidence-based policies.  This raises the question: If the tobacco industry is responsible for creating the very epidemic of diseases and addiction, why is PMI allowed to positioning itself as a voice in health and wellness? Should the industries profiting from tobacco-related harm be allowed to set the agenda for public health?

Zambian adolescents' usage of tobacco on the rise and its effects on the economy

Tobacco use among Zambian youth is rising, with 12.9% using it and many starting before age 7, driven by peer influence, marketing, easy access, and low prices. Weak laws, low taxes, poor enforcement, and industry interference worsen the problem, and strong policies aligned with the WHO-FCTC, raising taxes, banning advertising, restricting sales to minors, expanding education, and supporting alternative livelihoods are critical. With tobacco use starting so young and industry influence so strong, it is crucial that Zambia not only enforces robust WHO-FCTC-aligned policies but also explores harm reduction strategies to protect youth and reduce long-term health and economic burdens.

As the number of student vaping cases rises to 3,100 every year, schools receive nicotine test kits

Singapore schools and authorities are taking strong measures against rising student vaping, with nicotine test kits, school penalties, increased patrols, and metal detectors. Etomidate in vapes is now a Class C drug, allowing fines, rehabilitation, and caning for suppliers. Support through QuitVape, QuitLine, and community services is available, with voluntary users exempt from penalties, and public education campaigns empower youth to refuse vaping and make healthier choices. This shows a balanced approach combining enforcement, support, and education to protect youth and reduce vaping harm.

Minneapolis school shooter believed that vaping destroyed their body by causing a terminal condition

Minnesota school shooter Robin Westman feared terminal cancer from vaping and posted a suicide note on YouTube hours before shooting at Annunciation Catholic School. The 23-year-old gunman killed two children aged eight and 10 and injured at least 17 others. Westman explained in the note that they were struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, which worsened with the belief they had terminal cancer, a serious health risk linked to vaping. While the violence cannot be solely attributed to tobacco use, it highlights the need for stronger tobacco control, public education on vaping harms, and mental health support. This aligns with efforts like Singapore’s school-based nicotine testing, campus patrols, enforcement measures, and QuitVape programs, which aim to prevent youth vaping, support users who wish to quit, and raise awareness of the associated risks.

Announcement: Applications for World Health Organisation Youth Photography Contest are still open!!!

Purpose: Expose tobacco industry tactics targeting youth through photography to raise awareness and inspire advocacy.

Who: Ages 13–35,worldwide, one photo per participant, no prior experience needed.

Themes: Tobacco advertising, product promotion near schools, CSR activities, vaping marketing, cigarette litter, and other industry influences on youth.

Requirements: Original photo (JPEG/PNG, 2–10 MB), caption + short narrative (≤250 words), consent forms if people are identifiable, no AI or explicit content.

Prizes: USD 500/300/100 per age group; certificates and exhibition opportunities.

Timeline: Launch 12 August 2025; Deadline 12 September 2025; Winners 30 Sep 2025. Link