Best of Johannesburg
Why South Africa’s Tobacco Bill Could Redefine Public Spaces in 2025
You might not always see it, but the air you breathe is shared in cafés, taxis, apartment lobbies, and stadiums. Now a proposed law aims to redraw the invisible lines of that shared air, and it’s already stirring debate from park benches in Soweto to boardrooms in Sandton.
South Africa is on the brink of passing a comprehensive tobacco and vaping law called the Tobacco Products & Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill. If it becomes law, it would replace the old Tobacco Products Control Act of 1993, closing gaps left by decades of piecemeal regulation.
What Would Change, And What Already Has
No more designated smoking corners
In restaurants, bars, offices, public transport hubs, all enclosed spaces would be smoke- and vape-free. The law would eliminate any “smoking section” excuses. Even in multi-unit residential buildings, shared hallways and common indoor areas would fall under the ban.
Beyond walls, some outdoor zones too
For the first time, certain outdoor public spaces could be declared smoke-free. Think hospital grounds, transport stations, beaches, or stadium stands. The Health Minister would have the power to set these zones.
Homes, cars, and public conveyances
You wouldn’t be allowed to smoke in a vehicle if a child or a non-smoker is present. Private dwellings used for child-minding or teaching purposes would also be regulated.
Vapes, plain packs, and hidden products
The Bill treats e-cigarettes (and even nicotine-free vaping devices) just like traditional tobacco: no flashy marketing, no visible displays at retail counters, and no sale via vending machines. Tobacco and vaping products would require plain packaging with graphic health warnings.
Tightened penalties and enforcement
The law includes penalties, fines, or even jail time for violating rules. Selling non-compliant products, or importing them, could carry serious consequences. But enforcement capacity is a concern: inspectors can’t monitor every nook in all of South Africa. The success of the law will depend heavily on public reporting, awareness, and cooperation between sectors.
Why We Need This Now
Growing e-cigarette use among youth
Recent surveys show alarming trends, especially among people aged 15 to 24. Exposure to vaping advertising was found to more than triple the odds of use. Reducing visibility and access is seen as essential to protecting younger generations.
Second-hand smoke is still a risk
Many South Africans remain involuntarily exposed to smoke in shared spaces. The Bill stands to reduce the health risks for non-smokers, especially children and vulnerable groups.
Closing loopholes
In current law, designated smoking areas, point-of-sale displays, and loosely regulated vaping have allowed the tobacco industry to keep marketing influence alive. The Bill aims to shut those gaps.
Aligning with global standards
South Africa is a party to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The new Bill would help bring domestic law in line with international norms, especially in addressing novel nicotine and electronic products.
Voices from the Streets and the Halls
Not everyone’s cheering. Some critics call parts of the proposed regulation overreaching, pointing to challenges in policing private dwellings, fears of a “police state,” and disproportionate burdens on informal traders who sell single-stick cigarettes. Others say the government should enforce existing laws more strictly before layering on new ones.
On social media, public reaction is mixed. Some are excited: “Finally, zero smoke in cafés!” reads one thread. Others express scepticism: “How will this work in township areas without enforcement?”
The government has defended the approach, insisting that public reporting and community involvement will be key. If people notice violations, they’re encouraged to report them. Ultimately, the strength of this law may rest less on the text and more on how well citizens, municipalities, and civil society enforce it.
What’s Next, And When
Parliament’s Health Committee concluded public hearings in August 2025. The Bill must now pass through the National Council of Provinces and be signed by the President. If all goes smoothly, enactment could happen by mid-2026.
One promising indicator: the Bill’s measures already enjoy strong support from public health groups, and the government has been pushing excise tax increases on tobacco in recent budgets to reinforce the health agenda.
In short, it’s a transformative period in South Africa’s health law, and how public space “ownership” is defined may never be the same.
Also read: Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2025: How Proposed Changes Affect Gun Owners
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Featured Image: Vutivi Business News
