Cape Town: City Health Department has concluded a series of sessions with thousands of learners aged seven (07) to eighteen (18), that aimed at discouraging tobacco use and creating awareness of the dangers of smoking. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 is ‘Unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction’ which was observed on May 31, 2026.
Since the beginning of the year, City Health has facilitated awareness drives, addressed school groups and hosted interactive health education sessions at schools across the city. The aim is to educate and empower learners to make informed decisions about their health by raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco use and nicotine addiction.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham stated that the City Health promotes healthy lifestyle choices, encourage children to avoid the use of tobacco and vapes, and promotes smoke free environment. The main goal is to prevent them from taking that first puff.
Many children are exposed to smoking at home or in their communities, and the perceived status associated with it. With the facts in hand, they can make decisions that will affect their current and future health.
Tobacco use among learners is a major public health concern because it is linked to respiratory diseases, heart disease, cancer and nicotine addiction. Evidence from South African studies shows that approximately 21.5% of learners in grades eight (08) to eleven (11) reported using tobacco products in Cape Town, while 12.7% smoked cigarettes. More recent studies also found that 16.8% of high school learners use e-cigarettes, with many showing signs of nicotine dependence.
Considering this, Cllr Higham added that these statistics demonstrate that tobacco use among learners is a real and growing problem. All City clinics offer youth-specific services to encourage young people to invest in their health and well-being. They can book appointments through the City Health self-service portal by improving access and convenience.