Smoking in South Africa
In South Africa, the current prevalence of tobacco smoking among adults aged 15 years and older was recorded to be 23.3% in 2024. In comparison, this prevalence was 20.2% in 2020 and 20.7% in 2019. Gender-specific data from 2024 indicate that 39.3% of males and 8.5% of females were tobacco smokers, illustrating a significant gender disparity in smoking habits. The total number of current smokers in 2024 was estimated to be 10.9 million individuals. The adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence in 2021 was 21.2%, with 35.1% among males and 8.3% among females. In terms of mortality, smoking accounted for 4.42% of all deaths in 2021, with males experiencing a higher percentage (5.75%) compared to females (2.86%). The annual number of smoking-related deaths in 2021 was 32,442, including 22,817 males and 9,625 females. Additionally, the number of smokers in 2022 was approximately 8,617,084, showing an increase from 8,323,703 smokers in 2020. These statistics represent the ongoing public health challenge posed by tobacco smoking in South Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to reduce smoking prevalence and related mortality.
Read articles from South Africa
May 07, 2018 by thesouthafrican.com
Smoking laws: Five huge changes proposed for South Africa
The proposed Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill has been opened up for public debate. Dramatic changes to South African smoking laws could soon become a reality, should the bill receive Parliamentary approval.
The changes are said to be in the interests of all South Africans and their health. However, smokers – and the tobacco industry itself – feel that the war against cigarettes has gone a step too far.
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