The Portfolio Committee on Health will, from Friday, kick off nationwide public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, in Rustenburg, in the North West province.

The hearings will be held in two to three districts per province to ensure reasonable access for residents to make their inputs, explained Health Committee chairperson Dr Kenneth Jacobs.

This Bill, which Jacobs said is designed to protect the health of all South Africans, seeks to strengthen public health protection measures, and align South African Tobacco Control law with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention and to repeal the current existing Tobacco Control Act.

Jacobs noted that the proposed legislative and policy changes seek to introduce completely smoke-free public indoor areas and certain outdoor public places, to protect many South Africans who are often involuntarily exposed to second-hand smoke.

He said the Bill will regulate electronic cigarettes, which are currently unregulated in South Africa, and introduce uniform plain packaging for all brands, as well as pictorial health warnings on all packages.

The Bill also seeks to stop the advertising of tobacco products, heated tobacco, and electronic cigarettes at point of sale and through vending machines.

“The hearings are in line with Chapter 59 (1) of South Africa’s Constitution, which compels the National Assembly to facilitate public involvement in the legislative process. Furthermore, the legislative sector adopted a public participation model that places public consultation at the centre of its business,” noted Jacobs.

“In trying to ensure the existence of a favourable atmosphere for a meaningful public participation process, we decided to hold hearings at times and days which will afford interested individuals and stakeholders a reasonable opportunity to participate. We are ready to listen,” he emphasised.

Public hearings will be held in Rustenburg on Friday, in Klerksdorp on Saturday and in Mahikeng on Sunday.

The public has until September 4 to submit written submissions, which can be emailed to: tobaccobill@parliament.gov.za or submissions can be made online: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjWlMn59a9z58aNNN6UYWWAeP14_m7p0oJQARaSGg7QxED7Q/viewform?pli=1.