ActionSA Challenges Department of Health’s Misleading Claims on Vaping

At Vape King, we’ve always believed that South Africans deserve facts, not fearmongering, when it comes to vaping. That’s why we welcome and commend ActionSA’s bold move to hold the Department of Health accountable for spreading misinformation.

On 19 August 2025, ActionSA issued a press statement taking the Health Department to task

The Department had authorised radio ads claiming that “vaping is just as bad as smoking cigarettes.”

This claim is scientifically false. While vaping is not risk-free, global evidence shows it is far less harmful than traditional combustible tobacco products. Equating the two ignores the available data, misleads the public, and undermines harm reduction efforts.

Why This Matters

The timing of these ads is especially concerning. South Africa’s Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is still under review by Parliament. By pushing misleading statements through radio ads, the Department is presenting contested provisions of the Bill as if they are already law. This not only confuses the public but also undermines Parliament’s constitutional authority.

ActionSA’s Response

To protect both democratic process and public trust, ActionSA has:

• Lodged a complaint with the Advertising Regulatory Board demanding withdrawal of the ads.

• Filed a complaint with the Speaker of the National Assembly against the Department of Health for undermining Parliament.

Dr Kgosi Letlape MP made it clear: South Africans are entitled to honest, evidence-based information about vaping — not propaganda.

Vape King’s Position

We stand with ActionSA in demanding accountability. Public health policy must be based on truth and transparency, not fear tactics. Vaping is a harm reduction tool that has helped millions worldwide move away from smoking. By misrepresenting the facts, the Department of Health risks discouraging smokers from switching to less harmful alternatives.

At Vape King, we remain committed to:

• Advocating for evidence-based regulation.

• Educating South Africans with accurate, scientific information about vaping.

• Supporting consumer choice and harm reduction strategies.

We applaud ActionSA for stepping up and challenging this misleading narrative. It’s time for honesty in public health messaging — because South Africans deserve nothing less.

Full statement available here: ActionSA Press Release