THE Portfolio Committee on Health resumed its public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
During the public engagement process, the members heard presentations from the Tobacco, Alcohol and Gambling Advisory, Advocacy and Action Group (TAG).Committee chairperson Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo said in his opening remarks that the committee concluded its provincial public hearings in February, where the committee heard from various interested parties, including industry representatives, public health experts, civil society organisations and members of the public.“The committee is committed to a thorough, transparent and inclusive process in considering this important legislation,” said Dr Dhlomo.
“We understand the significant public health implications of tobacco use and the emergence of emerging electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and we are determined to ensure that the final bill strikes the right balance between protecting public health and addressing the socioeconomic considerations.”The TAG presentation provided the committee with a detailed analysis of the proposed bill, offering practical suggestions and recommendations to strengthen the legislation.
The members had many clarification-seeking questions on issues such as the impact of illicit trade, the potential role of harm reduction strategies and the evidence around the health risks of non-nicotine ENDS products.“The committee is aware of the complex nature of the tobacco and ENDS landscape in South Africa,” said Dr Dhlomo.
“We are carefully considering the issues raised by stakeholders, including the need to address illicit trade, mitigate job losses, and explore the potential role of harm reduction, while prioritising the overarching goal of safeguarding public health and reducing the burden of tobacco-related diseases.”Committee members’ questions and concerns during the discussions included the need for a stronger focus on scientific evidence, the potential unintended consequences of overly restrictive measures, and the importance of ensuring that the legislation is responsive to the diverse needs and circumstances of South Africans.
“We are committed to working collaboratively with all interested parties to ensure that the final Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Control Bill is robust, evidence-based, and responsive to the diverse needs and concerns of South Africans,” concluded Dr Dhlomo. “The health and well-being of our citizens are of paramount importance and this legislation will be a critical tool in our efforts to create a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
Meanwhile, the North West is the first province to host the nationwide public hearings on the bill.Tobacco farmers told the portfolio committee on health that the bill would only encourage illicit trading in tobacco products and suppress legal traders.
Tobacco farmer Kgosimang Tladi said the government should first close down on the illicit trade of tobacco products smuggled into the country and flooding the market.Tladi said tobacco farming was labor-intensive, from harvesting the tobacco leaves to drying them.”The bill will open up the illicit market and close down on legal traders. The bill in its totality takes the livelihoods of traders and turns them into criminals,” he said.
Freddy Tshabalala said tobacco products were a danger to people’s health and cost the government a lot of money to treat diseases caused by tobacco products.
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