In the lead-up to World No Tobacco Day (31 May), the City of Cape Town hosted an awareness event in Tafelsig to spotlight the growing dangers of youth vaping and tobacco use, an issue affecting thousands of young people. Since July last year, City Health has reached more than 2 500 participants through its health education and awareness outreaches on the dangers of tobacco use and vaping.
Children aged seven to 17 have made up nearly 70% of the audiences at City Health interventions around the dangers of smoking and vaping.
At the heart of the department’s messaging is the danger associated with smoking, passive smoking, hookah pipes and vapes, as well as the law around the sale and purchase of cigarettes and related devices.
A recent survey of learners in Grades 8 to 12 at South African schools found that 2% of respondents smoke cigarettes, 17% vape and 36% had tried vaping. The survey also found that the frequency of vaping increased among learners in higher grades.
‘It is for this very reason that our education efforts are primarily directed at learners. There has been a decline in the use of traditional tobacco products, but they’ve been replaced by vapes and other devices. So we remain on the backfoot. Raising awareness empowers people to make informed choices and to protect themselves, and others, from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine.
‘City Health urges individuals, businesses and policymakers to take action by promoting smoke free environments, supporting tobacco cessation programmes and advocating for stronger regulations on tobacco and nicotine marketing. By standing together as a community, we can challenge industry tactics and work towards a healthier, smoke free City,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable disease and deaths worldwide.
From lung disease and heart conditions to cancer, the health consequences are severe and far–reaching.
Beyond individual health, tobacco use impacts families, communities and healthcare systems, leading to significant economic and social burdens.
Additionally, the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to employ aggressive marketing tactics, particularly targeting young and vulnerable populations.
Through flavoured products, deceptive packaging and digital advertising, these companies create an illusion of “safer” alternatives – downplaying the real dangers of addiction and long-term health consequences.
Any person needing guidance on how to quit smoking can visit their nearest City Clinic.
Alternatively, more information is available here: https://bit.ly/43fqqES
Miss Lucky
Fun South African Fact: For nearly 50 years, there was a state of apartheid – white minority rule – in South Africa.
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Fun South African Fact: South African Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world’s first heart transplant on 3 December 1967 at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town. The groundbreaking surgery was carried out on Louis Washkansky and Dr. Barnard was assisted by a large and exceptional team of surgeons, nurses and technicians. One of Dr. Barnard’s assistants was Hamilton Naki, a black laboratory assistant who had worked previously as a gardener and went on to work in the animal laboratory at the University of Cape Town. He had assisted Dr Barnard with research leading to the transplant. In the apartheid days, Naki had no access to higher education due to his race. Despite being unable to access formal training, he learned from and assisted university researchers and went on to do unbelievable work.