By Thapelo Molefe
In a significant show of support, the majority of residents in the Northern Cape have backed the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill.
The Portfolio Committee on Health has been holding public hearings on the Bill in Kimberly, Kuruman and Upington.
It aims to strengthen public health protection measures, align South Africa;s tobacco control law with the World Health Organisation Framework Convention and repeal the Tobacco Control Act, 1993.
It proposes several measures to reduce tobacco consumption, including prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places, banning cigarette sales through vending machines and plain packaging with graphic health warnings.
It regulates electronic nicotine and non-nicotine delivery systems and bans the display of tobacco products at point of sale.
On Monday, committee chairperson Sibongiseni Dhlomo said residents of Upington expressed strong support for the Bill.
He said they believed it was a crucial step towards reducing smoking and
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