Council against smoking welcomes proposed bill which will see a ban on indoor public smoking

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

1 mean read | 17:07 pm CAT

South African smokers may soon have to go outside if they want to smoke, including not being able to smoke inside their own homes or cars while travelling with children. The Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, better known as e-cigarettes, was formally tabled by health minister Joe Phaahla. Among the proposals in the bill is a 100% smoke-free indoor environment.

The current laws do not include 100 per cent public indoor smoke-free areas. In an interview with Radio Islam International, Deputy Director of the National Council Against Smoking, Sharon Nyatsanza, said the proposed bill introduces and empowers the minister to prescribe certain outdoor public portions to be 100 per cent smoke-free. This includes the work environment and pubs.

“The purpose is an attempt to protect non-smokers.”

The impact of smoking is significant as tobacco is a grave health concern.

Nyatsanza added that the death toll is over 25 thousand people annually in South Africa from tobacco-related illnesses, including non-smokers.

Listen below to the interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Sharon Nyatsanza on Radio Islam’s podcast.

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