Alarming Stats: South Africa's Smoking Rates Remain High, E-cigarette Use Rises

Published by Everything ZA News

Image source: Renz Macorol /Pexels

Anti-tobacco groups in South Africa are urging the new government for swift action. Their primary concern? The alarmingly high rates of tobacco use, coupled with the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vapes.

The recently released 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) paints a concerning picture. According to the survey, conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), a staggering 29.4% of adults in South Africa, which translates to roughly 12.7 million people, currently use tobacco products.

The data reveals a significant disparity between genders. Men (41.7%) are far more likely to be tobacco users than women (17.9%). The 45-64 age group boasts the highest prevalence of smokers (28.6%), with nearly half (47.4%) of males in this demographic using tobacco.

Source: Global Adult Tobacco Survey, South Africa

Dr. Catherine Egbe, the GATS lead investigator, shared additional insights. The survey found that:

Daily Smoking: 21.2% of South African adults smoke daily (35.1% of men and a concerning 8.3% of women).
Early Initiation: The average age of initiation for tobacco use is a troubling 17.6 years old among young adults (20-34 years old).
Craving Control: 33.9% of daily tobacco users light up within five minutes of waking up, highlighting a strong dependence.

Table: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report

While traditional cigarettes remain the primary concern, the rise of e-cigarettes and vapes cannot be ignored. The GATS data shows that 2.2% of South African adults currently use e-cigarettes, with a higher prevalence among men (3.8%) compared to women (0.7%).

However, these figures might not capture the whole picture. The South African E-Cigarette Survey 2022 indicated that over 11% of adults in urban areas had tried e-cigarettes, with 4% being regular users at the time of the survey.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the use of e-cigarettes, vapes, and hookah pipes, particularly among young people,” said Jeanette Hunter, the Department of Health’s Deputy Director-General of Primary Healthcare. “Despite aggressive marketing portraying them as healthier alternatives, studies have highlighted health risks associated with these products.”

The GATS survey also explored the motivations behind e-cigarette use:

Enjoyment (70.3%)
Flavors (67.5%)
Misperception of harm (45.1%)
Peer influence (43.5%)

The financial burden of tobacco use on both individuals and the nation is significant. The GATS survey revealed that the median monthly expenditure on manufactured cigarettes is R263.10, with men spending slightly more than women.

Meanwhile, Statista estimates the revenue in South Africa’s cigarette market to be a staggering R255.39 billion in 2024. However, a significant portion of this market is illicit, costing the South African government an estimated R119 billion in lost tax revenue between 2002 and 2022.

The call to action from anti-tobacco groups is clear. They urge the new government to prioritize the passage of the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. This legislation is crucial for regulating the traditional tobacco market and the emerging world of e-cigarettes and vapes, protecting public health and the nation’s finances.