South African government to increase prices on tobacco products with new vaping tax planned.

The South African government announced a hike on tobacco products between 4.5 to 6.5% and revealed that electronic cigarettes will be taxed at 2.90 per milliliters from January 2023. However, the increase on cigarette is insufficient as it is below minimum target set by the WHO FCTC, defeating the purpose of reducing tobacco consumption, a major public health issue. Increasing taxes on cigarettes is the one most effective method of tobacco use. The SA government need to protect public from vested interest of the tobacco industry.