Pasop: No skyf vandag!

ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 39 000 people in Mzansi die from tobacco-related diseases each year.

And about 10% of these deaths are men, while 5% are women.

WHO said smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illnesses, disability and premature deaths in Mzansi, with a single cigarette containing over 4 800 chemicals, 69 which are known to cause cancer.

So on World No Tobacco Day, which will be commemorated on Friday, 31 May, awareness will be raised on the harm caused by tobacco products to people, public health, communities and the environment.

In commemoration of the day, Daily Sun spoke to Mike Mulenga (20), who started smoking at a young age.

"I started smoking at 15 years old because of the challenges I had growing up. I now feel there's no going back," he said.

Mike said he smokes to distract himself whenever he is stressed, and he buys a minimum of four cigarettes a day.

Dr Lindelani Sithole from Themba Hospital said tobacco use is a health issue that affects everyone.

"I currently work at the outpatient department and most of the patients I see in a day with a history of tobacco use have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"The disease is irreversible and can lead to heart failure and even lung cancer. The use of tobacco is a health issue that affects the lives of everyone. It's not only a habit, but is also an addiction," said Dr Sithole.

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A study published by the University of Cape Town found that between 2002 and 2022, the South African economy lost approximately R119 billion in vat revenue due to government's inability to secure the tobacco industry supply chain from the point of production to the point of sale.

The proposed tobacco bill prohibits smoking and the use of cigarettes in enclosed public areas, such as restaurants. It aims to ban vending machine sales, prohibit point of sale advertising and regulate e-cigarettes and other new generation products in the same way as tobacco.