Smoking continues to pose a significant public health challenge in South Africa, with health experts warning that tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death in the country.
World No Tobacco Day is held on May 31st with its theme, ’Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’.
According to the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report, nearly one in three South Africans aged 15 years and older use tobacco products. The survey found that 29.4% of adults currently use tobacco, while 21.2% smoke cigarettes daily and a further 4.6% smoke occasionally. Men remain significantly more likely to smoke than women, with 41.7% of men using tobacco compared to 17.9% of women.
Research estimates that more than 8 million South Africans are smokers, while tobacco-related diseases contribute to between 32,000 and 42,000 deaths annually. Smoking is linked to a range of serious health conditions including lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses and several other forms of cancer. Health experts also warn that exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk of disease among non-smokers, particularly children and pregnant women.
Of growing concern is the number of young people taking up smoking and other tobacco products. A recent systematic review of tobacco use among South African adolescents and young adults found that approximately 22% of young people aged between 12 and 24 use tobacco products. Among secondary school learners, tobacco use was estimated at 16%, while the prevalence rose to 20% among university students. Boys were found to be twice as likely to use tobacco as girls.
The Tobacco Atlas reports that youth smoking prevalence among children aged 10 to 14 stands at 19.3%, highlighting concerns that many smokers begin the habit at a very young age. Public health researchers note that most adult smokers start smoking before the age of 18, making prevention efforts among teenagers particularly important.
The economic burden of tobacco use is also substantial. Studies estimate that smoking-related illnesses cost South Africa billions of rand annually through healthcare expenses, lost productivity and premature deaths. The Tobacco Atlas estimates the annual cost of tobacco-related illness in South Africa at more than R49 billion.
Health advocates continue to call for stronger tobacco control measures, including tighter regulations on smoking in public spaces, restrictions on advertising and the implementation of proposed legislation aimed at reducing tobacco consumption. Experts believe that increased public awareness, higher tobacco taxes and targeted interventions aimed at young people could play a critical role in reducing smoking rates and preventing future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine.
As South Africa continues to battle rising rates of non-communicable diseases, health authorities maintain that reducing tobacco use remains one of the most effective ways to improve public health outcomes and save lives.
