KEY FACTS
Population
South Africa has a population of 57,779,622 according to 2018 statistics from the World Bank
South Africa and the WHO FCTC
Date of FCTC signature: 16 June 2003
Date of FCTC ratification (or legal equivalent): 19 April 2005
Date of FCTC entry into force: 18 July 2005
Prevalence of tobacco use
| Youth tobacco use | Adult tobacco smoking | Adult cigarette smoking | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prevalence (%) | Current tobacco use | Current cigarette smoking | Current smokers | Daily smokers | Daily smokers | Daily smokers |
| Male | 24.3 | 15.0 | ---- | ---- | 29.4 | 26.5 |
| Female | 19.0 | 10.8 | ---- | ---- | 8.2 | 6.9 |
| Total | 21.5 | 12.7 | 18.2 | 16.2 | 16.2 | 15.1 |
Source: WHO report on the global tobacco epidemic, 2017
TAXATION
South Africa’s tax policy for tobacco products is not aligned with recommendations of the World Health Organisaton (WHO).
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SMOKE-FREE POLICY
South Africa does not have legislation or regulation requiring 100% smoke-free public places but smoking is regulated in the country.
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COORDINATION MECHANISM
South Africa has specific government objectives for tobacco control as well as a national tobacco control technical unit or agency.
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ADVERTISING, PROMOTION, SPONSORSHIP
South Africa has legislation or regulation banning some forms of advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco products.
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- Tobacco Products Control Act, 1993
- Tobacco Products Control Amendement Act, 1999
- Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, 2007
- Tobacco Products Control Amendment Act, 2008
- Regulations No R 974 of 29 September 2000 relating to the maximum permissible yield of tar, nicotine and other constituents in tobacco products
- Regulations N° R 976 of 29 September 2000 relating to the point of sale of tobacco Products
- Regulations No R 975 of 29 September 2000 RELATING TO SMOKING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Restaurant smoking sections in South Africa and the perceived impact of the proposed smoke-free laws Evidence from a nationally representative survey
- South Africa Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) fact sheet (ages 13-15) 2011
- South Africa GYTS fact sheer (ages 13-15)2002
- South Africa GYTS fact sheet 1999
- South Africa GYTS fact sheet 2002
