SA sending out smoke signals

2003-06-05 10:51

Adrian Lackay

Cape Town - South Africans can expect stricter anti-smoking regulations after reports that the national health department is considering tightening the Act on the control of Tobacco Products.

Smoking was prohibited in public areas in 2001 and strict regulations against tobacco advertising and sponsorships were introduced.

Although details are being kept under wraps until the matter comes before the cabinet, indications are that tobacco manufacturers and advertisers will have to comply with strict guidelines.

The amendments co-incide with South Africa signing a new convention of the World Health Organisation last month, when 192 countries approved of curtailing tobacco products.

Discouraging the youth from smoking

Health director-general Ayanda Ntsaluba told parliamentarians that Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang would sign the convention on June 16 - Youth Day.

Ntsaluba said this day had been decided on because of the symbolic value and the government's attempts to discourage the youth from smoking.

The convention has to be ratified in South Africa afterwards and the relevant act will have to be adapted to meet minimum standards.

Ntsaluba said Tshabalala-Msimang met with legal representatives on Monday to discuss the changes.

The health department says initial research indicates that existing legislation has curbed smoking among the youth.

- Die Burger