South Africa’s long-awaited tobacco control laws are back in the spotlight, as the Department of Health
signals it is willing to make key adjustments following public feedback. At the centre of the conversation is the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, a piece of legislation that has been years in the making and aims to tighten regulations around tobacco and nicotine products — including cigarettes, vapes and other electronic delivery systems.
Now, after the latest round of consultations, government is proposing changes, including clearer
distinctions between combustible and non-combustible products, with the possibility that
some could be exempt from certain restrictions. But while some aspects of the Bill — like banning smoking in indoor public spaces and restricting sales to minors — have found support, others remain highly contested.

South Africa&rsquo;s long-awaited tobacco control laws are&nbsp;back in the spotlight, as the Department of Health signals it is willing to make key adjustments following public feedback. At the centre of the conversation is the Tobacco&nbsp;Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill,&nbsp;a piece of legislation that has been years in the&nbsp;making and aims to tighten regulations around&nbsp;tobacco and nicotine products &mdash; including cigarettes,&nbsp;vapes and other electronic delivery systems. Now, after the latest round of consultations,&nbsp;government is proposing changes, including clearer distinctions between combustible and&nbsp;non-combustible products, with the possibility that some could be exempt from certain restrictions. But&nbsp;while some aspects of the Bill &mdash; like banning smoking&nbsp;in indoor public spaces and restricting sales to minors&nbsp;&mdash; have found support, others remain highly&nbsp;contested.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope