Cape Town: City Health celebrated World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2025. The City of Cape Town hosted an awareness event in Tafelsig to spotlight the growing dangers of youth vaping and tobacco use, which is an issue affecting thousands of young people.
Since July 2024, City Health has reached more than 2500 participants through its health education and awareness outreach on the dangers of tobacco use and vaping.
Reportedly, children aged seven to seventeen have made up nearly 70% of the audiences at City Health interventions around the dangers of smoking and vaping. At the heart of the department’s messaging is the danger associated with smoking, passive smoking, hookah pipes and vapes, as well as the law around the sale and purchase of cigarettes and related devices.
A recent survey of learners in Grades 8 to 12 at South African schools found that 2% of the respondents’ smoke cigarettes, 17% vape and 36% has tried vaping. The survey also found that the frequency of vaping increased among the learners in higher grades.
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Francine Higham said that it is for an important reason that the education efforts are primarily directed at learners.
Higham added that they observed decline in the use of traditional tobacco products and they have also replaced the vapes and other devices. So they remained on the backfoot. Raised awareness that empowered people to make informed choices and to protect themselves and others from the harmful effects of tobacco and nicotine.
The City Health further urged individuals, businesses and policymakers to take action by promoting smoke free environments, supporting tobacco cessation programmes and advocating for stronger regulations on tobacco and nicotine marketing. By standing together as a community, they can challenge industry tactics and work towards a healthier, smoke free city.
Tobacco consumption remains a leading cause of preventable disease and deaths worldwide. Considering the lung disease and heart conditions to cancer, the health consequences are severe and far–reaching.
According to Francine Higahm, beyond individual health, tobacco use impacts families, communities and healthcare systems, leading to significant economic and social burdens.
Also, the tobacco and nicotine industry continues to employ aggressive marketing tactics, particularly targeting young and vulnerable populations. Through flavoured products, deceptive packaging and digital advertising.
These companies create an illusion of “safer” alternatives – downplaying the real dangers of addiction and long-term health consequences. Any person who is in need of guidance on how to quit smoking can visit their nearest City Clinic.