Survey Finds South Africans Want Better Access to Smoke-Free Alternatives
As South Africa continues discussions around new tobacco laws, new research shows that many smokers believe better information and smarter regulation could help reduce cigarette smoking in the country.
The survey, conducted by independent research company Povaddo and commissioned by Philip Morris International, looked at the views of adult smokers across several countries, including South Africa, parts of Europe, Latin America, and Asia.
The findings reveal a growing global belief that smoke-free alternatives, together with balanced regulation, could help more adults move away from cigarettes.
In South Africa, the study found that 8 out of 10 smokers support risk-based regulation. This means products considered less harmful than cigarettes should not be regulated in the same way as traditional tobacco products.
The research also shows that many smokers feel current tobacco policies do not give them enough accurate information about smoke-free alternatives.
Despite years of anti-smoking campaigns, smoking remains a major public health issue in South Africa. According to the survey, 71% of smokers say they plan to continue smoking, while only 15% are currently interested in switching to smoke-free products under the current regulations.
With an estimated 9.7 million smokers in the country, the research suggests that nearly 6.9 million South Africans may continue smoking unless there is better support for adults who want alternatives.
However, the study suggests this could change significantly if smokers had easier access to science-based information and affordable smoke-free products. Under those conditions, the number of smokers willing to switch could more than double.
The survey also highlighted low awareness around smoke-free alternatives in South Africa:
- 44% of smokers are unfamiliar with e-cigarettes
- 65% do not know about heated tobacco products
- 70% are unfamiliar with nicotine pouches
Researchers say this lack of awareness may prevent smokers from understanding the potential differences in risk between cigarettes and smoke-free products.
Many smokers also shared concerns about cost and misinformation. Among smokers not interested in alternatives:
- 43% said they were worried about health risks
- 28% said the products were too expensive
The majority of respondents said affordability and accessibility would strongly influence their decision to switch:
- 82% said alternatives should cost less than cigarettes
- 82% want them easily available in stores
- 80% want product information available at point of sale
- 78% want clearer information about risk reduction
The research also warns that overly strict regulation could lead some smokers to turn to illegal tobacco products instead.
Overall, the study points to a growing call for evidence-based regulation that gives adult smokers access to accurate information and scientifically supported smoke-free alternatives, while still protecting young people and non-smokers.
The findings suggest that balanced policies could play an important role in helping more South Africans move away from cigarettes in the future.
