Vaping targets a new generation, prompts calls for stronger legislation | Mpumalanga News

While South Africa has made significant progress in reducing cigarette smoking in recent decades, public health advocates warn that vaping is the latest threat and rapidly gaining ground among young people.

According to Lungile Mavundla, policy advocacy officer at the National Council Against Smoking (NCAS), learners at many schools in Mpumalanga are increasingly using flavoured vaping products.

While cigarette smoke is easily detectable, vaping emits a sweet-smelling aerosol.

“These sleek devices are often designed to resemble USB drives or modern gadgets, making them easy to conceal in blazer pockets or on school desks. While they may appear harmless, they deliver highly addictive nicotine to a new generation,” said Mavundla.

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She added that these concerns form part of the World Health Organization’s World No Tobacco Day 2026 campaign, themed, “Unmasking the appeal – Countering tobacco and nicotine addiction.”

The campaign draws attention to the ways tobacco and nicotine companies are redesigning products and refining marketing tactics to attract new users, and young people are particularly vulnerable.

Recent South African research indicates that vaping has overtaken cigarette smoking among adolescents.

The Adolescents Fresh Air project, led by researchers at the University of Cape Town, surveyed more than 25 000 learners across 52 schools.

The study found that while cigarette smoking stood at only 2.1%, vaping’s prevalence had climbed to 16.8%. Among Grade 12 learners, the figure reached an average of 26.5%, with some schools recording rates close to 50%.

Researchers have also found that more than one in four university students currently vape, reflecting the growing popularity of nicotine products among young adults.

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Health advocates attribute the trend partly to gaps in current regulations.

Unlike traditional tobacco products, vaping devices have largely escaped strict advertising restrictions, allowing companies to market them through social media influencers, attractive flavours, and colourful packaging.

The NCAS and other public health organisations are urging parliament to fast-track the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen advertising restrictions, regulate product displays and provide greater protection for children from nicotine addiction.

“Behind the bright colours, sweet flavours and modern technology lies the same addiction trap that public health has fought for decades,” Mavundla warned.