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African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Drive Investment in African Energy, Announces Second Speaker Lineup

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

With over 125 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, 620 trillion cubic feet of natural gas and abundant opportunities in solar, wind and green hydrogen, Africa has the potential to become a global hub for energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that to meet energy and climate goals, Africa requires over $200 billion in annual investment, highlighting a strategic opportunity for global financiers and project developers.

As such, the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – Africa's premier event for the energy sector – will drive a new wave of investment in the sector. The conference convenes under the mandate of making energy poverty history by 2030, with industry experts and thought-leaders, African governments and NOCs, and energy investors and developers leading discussions on the challenges and opportunities in Africa's energy sector. Taking place from 4–8 November in Cape Town, the event offers unparalleled access to the African industry.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

African governments are revamping fiscal policies and launching new licensing rounds to attract investments and partners, aiming to unlock the full potential of the continent's energy sector. Over 11 licensing rounds are planned for sub-Saharan Africa between 2024 and 2025, all of which aim to attract new investment and bolster project development. At AEW: Invest in African Energy, government representatives will outline optimal energy financing mechanisms and incentives aimed at advancing energy investments. Key speakers include:

  • Birame Soulèye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, Senegal
  • Habtamu Itefa Geleta, Minister of Water and Energy, Ethiopia
  • Situmbeko Musokotwane, Minister of Finance and National Planning, Zambia
  • Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola

African state-owned energy entities have positioned themselves as reliable partners for global energy firms, driving the continent's energy market expansion. During this year's AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, African NOCs and energy associations will discuss investment and partnership opportunities in Africa's energy value chain. In addition to the first AEW: Invest in African Energy speaker lineup, featured speakers include:

  • Proscovia Nabbanje, CEO of the Uganda National Oil Company
  • Zwanani Titus Mathe, CEO, South African National Energy Development Institute

Across Africa, international energy companies are driving a series of large-scale project developments under efforts to unlock high returns, increase energy access while driving sustainable economic growth. Projects such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG development – on track for first production this year -; the trio of LNG projects in Mozambique's Rovuma Basin; South Africa's offshore exploration campaigns and onshore gas projects and many more are set to transform the African oil and gas landscape. This creates newfound opportunities for regional and international technology providers, which also play a crucial role in driving Africa's energy renaissance. A strong lineup of IOCs, technologies companies and service providers will discuss ongoing projects, future prospects and efforts to maximize Africa's energy resources at the conference. These include:

  • Ainojie Alex Irune, CEO of Oando Energy Resources
  • Dave Campbell, Senior Vice President of bp in Mauritania and Senegal
  • Dennis Bauer, Senior Executive: Energy Transition Advisor, Neuman & Esser
  • Dennis Malkoc, Business Development Manager, Universal Africa Lines
  • Dmitry Khandoga, Head of International Department, Gazprom PJSC
  • Marica Calabrese, Managing Director and General Manager, Eni Mozambique
  • Matthieu Milandri, Head of Upstream Finance at Trafigura Group
  • Mikhail Chudakov, Head of the Department of Nuclear Energy, International Atomic Energy Agency
  • Nikki Martin, President & CEO,EnerGeo Alliance
  • Nosa Omorodion, Executive Director, SLB
  • Rene Awambeng, Director and Global Head of Client Relations, Afreximbank
  • Taelo Mojapelo, CEO, bp South Africa

During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, speakers will showcase projects, highlight energy financing mechanisms and government incentives, and provide insights on best practices for a just and inclusive energy transition, addressing the continent's goals for eradicating energy poverty and promoting environmental sustainability.

Keep following for more exciting announcements about the AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 speaker lineups! For more information, visit www.AECWeek.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Read moreAfrican Energy Week (AEW) 2024 to Drive Investment in African Energy, Announces Second Speaker Lineup

Mpox cases rise to 13

Location: News

Mpox cases rise to 13

South Africa has identified six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, taking the total number of cases from seven to 13 since the first case was reported last month.

The Department of Health reported new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The death toll is still at two. 

The first case of Monkeypox, now known as Mpox, was reported in South Africa on 9 May 2024, when a 35-year-old male living in Gauteng tested positive.

In the latest statement, the department said it has received a batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat - also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for treatment of patients who experience severe health complications because of Mpox disease. 

“The process to secure more treatment, including vaccines, is underway in case the need arises. However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections,” the department explained. 

READ | Mpox cases rise to seven in SA after new infection recorded in W Cape

Government is urging all people regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation, with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at a healthcare facility because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease. 

The department stated that hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of diseases. 

“People are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.”

Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands. 

“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, and so on.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:25

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My Prepaid Meter Does Not Take Any Number for Tokens or Codes. What Now?

Location: MyPR

With the looming KRN (Key Revision Number) rollout Straton Prepaid report that they are receiving more and more inquiries from people saying that their prepaid meters (electricity, gas and water) do not accept any number for tokens or codes. If your prepaid meter does not accept any tokens or codes, Straton Prepaid suggests several possible …

Read moreMy Prepaid Meter Does Not Take Any Number for Tokens or Codes. What Now?

Maintaining Oral Health In Retirement: Budget-Friendly Tips

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, provides budget-friendly tips for retirees to keep their smiles bright and healthy. “Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but often, dental health can become a worry due to reduced income and the cessation of employer-sponsored health benefits,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity …

Read moreMaintaining Oral Health In Retirement: Budget-Friendly Tips

Government of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

Location: News

Government of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

Gender activist, Dr Lesley Ann Foster, has expressed hope that the government of national unity will provide an opportunity for political parties to collaborate in addressing South Africa’s unemployment, slow economic growth and inequalities.

“This is a very significant moment. I feel quite emotional about it…We have had so much negativity and so many challenges that we have been facing that this gives us a ray of hope for change that will take us forward as a country,” Foster told SAnews on Wednesday at the Union Buildings.

Foster who is the founder and executive director of non-governmental organisation (NGO) Masimanyane Women's Rights International made these remarks ahead of the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria.

“We are excited about the possibility that this new administration [brings].  The most important thing about the government of national unity is that it is not about a particular party but about national unity. How do we bring all these people together to bring about progress and development? The most critical thing is about what can take the country forward,” she said.

Foster said the presence of dignitaries at the inauguration signifies that the international community honours and respects South Africa.

“They are coming to pay their respects to our new President and that is very significant for us that they are here to say we stand with you; we support you.”

With the inauguration representing the beginning of the seventh administration, Foster called for government to address corruption, unemployment and gender inequality.

“Government needs to deal decisively with corruption. They also need to work on the economic policies and look at how they can create jobs, particularly for the youth and the unemployed of our country; there is so many of them.

“I work in the gender sector. We have a huge challenge to address gender-based violence in this country. We have had very strong political commitments from President Ramaphosa in his previous administration. We are praying that it will happen again.”

She added that she was part of a collective of women that have written a statement to all political parties requesting that they address gender equality issues in this administration.

“We want them to address gender equality. We want the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide to be put in place. We want issues on empowerment and our status in society to be addressed

“South African women still have very low status, even though they has been massive progress, we still have low status. They need to address that because until we are an equal society, poverty is going to be the big issue.

“We have a big problem around poverty, food insecurity and water insecurity. They have to address those issues very decisively because we are sitting on a smouldering peg and we can have an explosion at any time from the youth because they are dissatisfied,” Foster said.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

READ | SA marks Inauguration Day

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 09:16

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Read moreGovernment of national unity provides opportunity to improve lives of citizens

SA is living on borrowed ecological resources

Location: MyPR

20 June marks South Africa’s Earth Overshoot Day – the day when our consumption of ecological resources exceeds the planet’s capacity to regenerate them for that year. Jako Volschenk, Associate Professor in Strategy and Sustainability at Stellenbosch Business School emphasises the critical imbalance between our demand and nature’s capacity. “Earth Overshoot Day is a wake-up …

Read moreSA is living on borrowed ecological resources

Rand Water undertakes infrastructure maintenance

Location: News

Rand Water undertakes infrastructure maintenance

Rand Water is expected to embark on extensive infrastructure maintenance from this Saturday, lasting until the end of July.

According to the water utility, this forms part of its maintenance plan for this coming winter.

“Proactive infrastructure maintenance is important to preserve the quality and integrity of the infrastructure, reduce maintenance costs in the long term and increase the life span of the infrastructure and assets. A maintained water infrastructure ensures uninterrupted water supply for the current and future generation.

“As an organisation, we have a solid Asset Management Strategy which provides a focused approach to managing technical maintenance, asset lifecycle and maximise the value and advantage of our assets. We conduct two types of infrastructure and asset maintenance, proactive (planned) and unplanned. Our proactive maintenance is scheduled and aimed at preserving the quality, integrity and lifespan of our water infrastructure,” the Rand Water said.

The maintenance will begin this Saturday with the Eikenhof System in Mogale with customers not expected to be affected.

Full details of the maintenance schedule is available at https://www.randwater.co.za/mediastatements.php.

“We have engaged with our municipal customers, continue to engage and officially notified them about the upcoming maintenance project to ensure that they have a 21-day period to plan, put appropriate contingency plans in place, manage storage capacity prior and during the maintenance period and inform their customers accordingly.

“Impacted Municipalities are requested to advise their customers on the extent and impact of water supply and on contingency plans that will be put in place. Rand Water will provide updates throughout the maintenance period,” the water utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 10:47

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Enhancing Efficiency with Facilities Management Software in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In today’s fast-paced business environment, the management of facilities is a critical component for the smooth operation of any organization. From office buildings and factories to hospitals and schools, effective facilities management ensures that these spaces are safe, efficient, and conducive to productivity. Facilities management software is transforming how businesses in South Africa handle this …

Read moreEnhancing Efficiency with Facilities Management Software in South Africa

P&G South Africa: Uplifting Young Leaders’ Voices through the #BloodSister Network!

Location: MyPR

June, Johannesburg: South Africa commemorated National Youth Day on Sunday, 16 June 2024. This year, we celebrated Youth Month under the theme: “Actively Embracing the Socioeconomic Gains of Our Democracy.” This theme highlights the nation’s efforts to eradicate unemployment and create equal opportunities for all. P&G South Africa continues its mission to create opportunities and …

Read moreP&G South Africa: Uplifting Young Leaders’ Voices through the #BloodSister Network!

Clearing the Air: The Impact of Battery-Operated Tools on Our Health and Environment

Location: MyPR

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a shocking 99% of the global population is affected by unhealthy air. Added to that, research also shows that noise pollution is now linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke and dementia. These alarming statistics underscore the urgent need for both businesses and individuals to take action …

Read moreClearing the Air: The Impact of Battery-Operated Tools on Our Health and Environment

PinkDrive Ambassador proudly shares her story through the Totalsports Women’s Race

Location: MyPR

Diagnosed with breast cancer a decade ago, Cindy van Wyk (56) has transformed from a survivor into an inspirational thriver. As a proud PinkDrive Ambassador, she eagerly looks forward to sharing her story with thousands of runners and walkers at the Totalsports Women’s Race this August. “This year, I celebrate 10 years of gratitude and …

Read morePinkDrive Ambassador proudly shares her story through the Totalsports Women’s Race

Senzo Mchunu elected as Acting Minister of Agriculture

Location: News

Senzo Mchunu elected as Acting Minister of Agriculture

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed the Minister of Water Affairs and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, as Acting Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development.

“The appointment, which takes effect immediately, follows the election by the National Assembly of Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Thoko Didiza as Speaker of the National Assembly,” the Presidency statement read. 

On Friday, the newly elected Speaker of the seventh administration committed to ensure that Parliamentary debates are conducted within the rule of law, and in a fair manner.

Didiza took the seat of the Speaker during the first sitting of Parliament, held at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). 

Didiza, who is an African National Congress member, received 284 votes against Economic Freedom Fighters’ Veronica Mente, who received 49. 

“I also commit that I will work with all the parties, led by their whips and representatives, to make sure that we conduct the business of this Parliament in a manner that indeed reflects the will of the people of South Africa,” Didiza said.

The Democratic Alliance’s Annelie Lotriet was elected Deputy Speaker after securing 273 votes. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Sun, 06/16/2024 - 06:59

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Read moreSenzo Mchunu elected as Acting Minister of Agriculture

Youth challenged to find innovative solutions for water problems

Location: News

Youth challenged to find innovative solutions for water problems

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has challenged the youth to help find solutions to the global water woes.

Mahlobo made the call during the Wetskills Challenge Awards Ceremony held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister officiated the Wetskills Challenge, a two-week programme for students and young professionals with a passion for water from all over the globe to work in transdisciplinary and transcultural teams on challenging water cases. 

The participants’ challenge is to find innovative solutions for the water challenges facing the world.

Several teams competed for the number one spot and came up with solutions to various topics, including water security within the green hydrogen industry; developing a business model for non-governmental organisations, and innovative sanitation solutions in schools.

Speaking at the event, Mahlobo reminded the youth that science must be used for humanity, and that they will help to find solutions to the global water woes. 

Mahlobo said he trusts that with the calibre of young men and women who participated in the challenge, the future of the water sector is in good hands. 

“Your trade is about humanity and humanity is to improve conditions. We all have shared aspirations and dreams. 

“We all want to live in peace and harmony, with development. At this point, we are carrying a treasure and inheritance for the next generations, as we inherited from our forebearers,” Mahlobo said.

He called on government to create opportunities for the ideas presented to be realised, and to foster talent and innovation.

“What we need to do is to support you in implementing the strategies you have come up with, and create pace for your development and an opportunity to pilot these ideas. As government, we need to say, ‘now that the seed has been planted, how do we water and nurture it?',” Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister congratulated the winners who came up with solutions to the pit latrine problem in rural areas in South Africa.

Emerald Reddy, Rafael Tembe, Shongile Chauke and Tasmiyah Ismail presented a study that investigates integrating the innovative Larvae'd toilet system with the existing WASH solution in South Africa's rural schools. 

The proposed solution aims to resolve these facilities with sustainable and hygienic sanitation solutions. 

The team said the innovation will leverage community involvement and the use of recycled materials. 

The initiative also ensures students health and safety, and explores business for those who will be supplying for the schools. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 08:52

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Read moreYouth challenged to find innovative solutions for water problems

Royal St Andrews Hotel and Guido’s Port Alfred Donate R100k To NSRI Station 11 For Water Safety At Rip Curl GromSearch

Location: MyPR

Royal St Andrews Hotel and Guido’s Port Alfred Donate R100k To NSRI Station 11 NSRI Station 11 in action during the Rip Curl Cup © Louis Wulff Port Alfred – NSRI Station 11 served as the water safety in very testing conditions during the Rip Curl Cup and the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Sea …

Read moreRoyal St Andrews Hotel and Guido’s Port Alfred Donate R100k To NSRI Station 11 For Water Safety At Rip Curl GromSearch

The festival programme is announced for this year’s Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The stunning KwaDukuza will host the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill from 25 June to 8 July. Alongside all the surfing action of The Ballito Pro Challenger Series at Willard Beach, visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast’s shores can enjoy the jam-packed festival programme featuring live entertainment, quality retail, extreme sports, art activations, kids’ …

Read moreThe festival programme is announced for this year’s Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill

KZN working towards a permanent solution for flood victims

Location: News

KZN working towards a permanent solution for flood victims

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is working towards a permanent solution for the people affected by the recent storms.

“We are working closely with the eThekwini Municipality and the Provincial Department of Human Settlements to find quick solutions for sheltering those affected. SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] continues to capture applications for Social Relief of Distress food vouchers in response to the devastating storm in uThongathi,” KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said on Thursday.

Mop-up operations continue in eMagwaveni settlement, as residents rebuild their homes in uThongathi. The area was hit by a devastating tornado, resulting in the loss of lives, livelihoods, and properties.

Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, said the temporary repairs of the Southern Aqueduct, in the south of Durban, will be completed in September this year.

Kaunda, accompanied by Deputy Mayor, Zandile Myeni and Human Settlements and Infrastructure Deputy Chairperson, Bheki Mngwengwe visited the aqueduct on Thursday to assess the progress on the replacement of the aqueduct.

In April this year, Kaunda introduced a contractor to commence with the replacement of the 30km bulk pipe, which supplies water to areas such as uMlazi, KwaMakhutha, Folweni, Chatsworth and Shallcross. 

“While the R1.2 billion project is underway, the contractor is also doing temporary repairs on the existing pipeline to ensure that there is reliable water supply in the southern areas. 

“The temporary repairs will be completed in September this year. The completion of the project will take 24 months,” Kaunda said.

Once completely repaired, the pipeline will improve water supply to the south of Durban areas. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 08:58

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New dispensation needed to improve water and sanitation service provision

Location: News

New dispensation needed to improve water and sanitation service provision

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says a new dispensation is needed in the water and sanitation sector to certify proper water management and propel the country to greater heights that will realise water security for future generations.

Mchunu was speaking at the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) Conference, currently underway at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Durban. 

The three-day WISA Conference has brought together over 1 500 academics, professionals, industry experts and law makers in the water and sanitation fields to discuss key issues and challenges in the water sector.

The 2024 conference, held in partnership with uMngeni-uThukela Water, aims to discuss and come up with sustainable solutions to the challenges within the water sector.

Mchunu said the current state of water and sanitation services has challenged government and its partners to turn things around, and set high standards for the water and sanitation sector.

“To a certain extent, water resource management has not received the attention it deserves, and the reality is visible with the deterioration of the water quality of our rivers. 

“This is mainly due to pollution emanating from mining activities, industry, agriculture and to a greater extent, from dysfunctional municipal wastewater systems,” Mchunu said. 

In an attempt to address this problem, Mchunu said the department has established a national anti-pollution structure that will work with the department to curb pollution of the country’s rivers and dams.

The Minister emphasised that water resource management is more than just a technical challenge, but a societal imperative.

“Water resources are the lifeblood of our nation, underpinning our health, our economy, and our environment,” Mchunu said. 

Catchment Management Agencies 

During the conference, Mchunu launched four Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).

They are the Limpopo-Olifants, Vaal-Orange, Pongola-Umzimkulu, Mzimvubu-Tsitsikamma Catchment Management Agencies.

They will be working alongside the already existing Breede-Olifants and Inkomati-Usuthu CMAs. 

The establishment of the CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa to enhance decentralised decision-making in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.

The agencies will be responsible for the protection, use, development, conservation, management, and control of all the water resources in a water management area (WMA) at the catchment level.

They also ensure participative management, good water governance and integrated planning, and improving co-operative governance of the country’s water resources in order to achieve the objectives of the National Water Act, equity, accessibility and government’s commitments to improving service delivery.

These responsibilities require that all spheres of government, water users and communities in the water management area work with CMAs as partners. 

In acknowledging the effects of climate change, Mchunu said the department is an important contributor to building a climate-resilient future through continuous strategising and effective provision of water and sanitation services. 

“CMAs, at local level, will bring together stakeholders to build capacity around creating a climate resilient environment. We are confident that the rationalisation will still achieve the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principle of decentralisation of water resource management to local level and contribute to the transformation of the water sector,” Mchunu said. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 11:31

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Read moreNew dispensation needed to improve water and sanitation service provision

Tobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age

Location: News

Tobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age

The prevalence of smoking in South Africa remains high compared to other countries, with an average of 8.5 cigarettes smoked per day by daily smokers.

This information is based on the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report, released by the Department of Health on Thursday.

Based on the most recent data from GATS, sampled from 7 245 households, it was found that the prevalence of tobacco use in South Africa is 29.4%.

The data also revealed that a higher percentage of men (41.7%) are currently using tobacco compared to women (17.9%).

Lead investigator, Dr Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), stated that 21.2% of adults in South Africa smoke daily, while 4.6% smoke occasionally.

The highest prevalence of tobacco is found in the Northern Cape, followed by the Western Cape, while the lowest is in Limpopo.

Shifting her focus to the age of initiation of tobacco use, Egbe said the average age of initiation was 17.6 years old among adults aged between 20 and 34. 

Meanwhile, 20.9% of urban residents and 13.5% of rural residents initiated smoking before the age of 15. 

In addition, Egbe stated that 33.9% of daily tobacco users smoke within five minutes of waking up. 

E-cigarettes and hookah pipe

Meanwhile, 2.2% said they were currently using e-cigarettes, of which 3.8% are men and 0.7% are women. 

Of those using e-cigarettes, 70.3% cited enjoyment, 67.5% cited flavour, 45.1% perceived it as less harmful than tobacco, while 43.5% said their use was influenced by friends or family members who use e-cigarettes. 

The study also found that 3.1% of adults reported smoking hookah pipe or hubbly bubbly. 

“The mean age of initiation for those who have ever smoked water pipe was 21.1 years,” Egbe said. 

For those aged between 15 and 24, the average age of initiation was 17.3 years old. 

Quitting

Among adults currently smoking tobacco, 80.9% attempted to quit without assistance, 4.1% used pharmacotherapy, and 42.9% received advice to stop from their healthcare provider.

Data also shows that 74.4% of adults who visited public places were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) at bars, taverns, shebeens or nightclubs. 

Meanwhile, 19.9% were exposed to SHS at school, 16.0% at tertiary institutions and 11.3% in cafes. 

Data indicates that men spent slightly more on cigarettes, R273.20, while women spent around R207.20 monthly. 

Government interventions

The Department of Health’s Deputy Director of General Primary Healthcare, Jeanette Hunter, has noted an increase in the use of hookah, e-cigarettes and vapes, particularly among young people.

“Studies have highlighted health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and hookah pipes, hubbly bubbly or shisha, even though they are aggressively marketed as healthier tobacco alternatives,” Hunter said. 

She said scientists have provided enough evidence for countries to act and put measures in place to curb the use of these new-generation products.  

“It is for this reason that we, as a country, amended the existing Tobacco Product Control Act, Act 83 of 1993 to incorporate the control of the use of electronic delivery systems. This amendment Bill is at the stage of going through Parliamentary processes.” 

Hunter also raised concerns about citizens who are now starting to smoke at a younger age. 

“Disappointingly, it reveals that a small percentage, only 42.9% of smokers, were advised by a healthcare provider to quit smoking.” 

Hunter said the department has since identified the need to establish tobacco cessation programmes in primary healthcare facilities and that the feasibility of such programmes is being explored. 

Hunter also highlighted the importance of the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed spaces after it was found that 44.5% of adults in South Africa are exposed to SHS. 

Meanwhile, as part of the recommendations, Egbe emphasised the importance of implementing tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and total bans on tobacco advertising and promotion to reduce smoking initiation, particularly among young people.

“Effective strategies to reduce tobacco use, including putting in place more comprehensive laws that are compliant with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, should be implemented to protect more people from exposure to SHS, and provide cessation services to help more people who smoke to quit,” Egbe said. 

In addition, Egbe believes that if Parliament were to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022, it would help reduce long-term tobacco use and the burden of tobacco-related diseases. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 12:21

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Read moreTobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age