The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) leg of public hearings on South Africa’s proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill concluded on Sunday, marking the end of public consultations across all provinces. Hosted by Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Health, the final hearing took place at Greenwood Park Hall in Durban North, where residents, community leaders, and organizations weighed in on the bill’s potential impact.
The bill, designed to strengthen public health protections, proposes stricter controls on tobacco products and e-cigarettes. Among its measures are plans to ban cigarette vending machines and introduce new regulations for e-cigarette sales and usage.
The event drew diverse perspectives. Sibusiso Hlongwane from Ward 77 in uMlazi argued that alcohol regulation should be prioritized over tobacco. “Cigarettes don’t kill as much as alcohol, yet we’re treating them as more dangerous. We have people drinking every weekend, causing accidents, and it’s taking a toll on people’s lives,” he said.
On the other hand, Siphesihle Gwambe from the South African Medical Research Council voiced support for the consultation process, noting, “We appreciate the diverse views on the bill and fully support this engagement with the public.”
The bill has also faced opposition from the African Transformation Movement (ATM) in KZN, with provincial secretary Sipho Mbalo cautioning that small businesses, particularly street vendors, would suffer under the proposed restrictions. “These regulations will hurt those who rely on cigarette sales. Parliament should reconsider the process, engage more with affected communities, and perhaps then we could accept certain elements. As it stands, we reject it,” Mbalo stated.
The Portfolio Committee will now consider the feedback from these hearings as it prepares to finalize the bill, which has sparked nationwide debate over public health, economic impact, and personal freedom.