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Residents of Greater Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo have informed the Portfolio Committee on Health that the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) will threaten job security within the tobacco industry if it is implemented in its current form. The committee held three successful public hearings in Limpopo, with the final one held at the Jack Botes Hall in Polokwane.
 
“The public participation process is an integral part of the law-making process, and we are convinced that we have satisfied the obligation required by Section 59 (1) of the Constitution. The quality of inputs received will empower Members of the committee when they deliberate on the Bill,” said Dr Kenneth Jacobs, the Chairperson of the committee.
   
Like all the hearings held in Limpopo, there were mixed views on the Bill with some supporting and others rejecting it. Many who rejected it were concerned about the potential risk to job security within the tobacco industry value chain. Some participants underscored that the Bill might have a devastating impact on small-scale traders making a living through the sale of single cigarettes, as well as emerging tobacco farmers.
 
There was also a concern about the proposal that all tobacco products be wrapped in plain packaging. Participants cautioned that this might strengthen the already problematic illicit trade market. They urged government to rather focus on ensuring compliance with existing legislation and the eradication of the illicit trade market.
 
Some participants called for further stakeholder consultation to iron out areas of concern. Those with this view suggested that the Bill be referred to the National Economic Development and Labour Council for further consultation.
 
Participants supporting the Bill highlighted the Bill’s protection of vulnerable groupings such as children, pregnant women, and non-smokers against exposure to secondary smoke inhalation. Meanwhile, parents welcomed the Bill’s intention to assist in preventing young, school-going children from consuming tobacco products.  
 
Regarding electronic delivery systems, there was a strong view that the Bill addresses the loophole regulating those products. This is necessary, they said, to give a framework for how electronic delivery systems are marketed and sold, tested and research conducted. Supporters criticised producers of tobacco and electronic delivery systems on the basis that the industry cared more about profits than citizens’ wellbeing.  
 
Following the conclusion of the Limpopo leg, the committee will head to Mpumalanga on 20-22 October for further public hearings on the Bill. “The committee appreciates the time that the people of Limpopo took to come and share their views with the committee. We take their inputs seriously and will consider them,” Dr Jacobs concluded.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Health, Dr Kenneth Jacobs