New tax raises costs for smokers

Smoking related diseases account for 44 400 deaths a year in South Africa. Worldwide, and one in 10 adults dies from smoking. These are only some of the reasons why 31 May has been declared World No Tobacco Day.

The first figure was put forward by the health department's director for health promotion, Vimla Moodley, in 2012. She was briefing members of Parliament's Health Portfolio Committee on proposed new smoking regulations in 2012.

The second figure is according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

“Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death,” says WHO on its website. The objective for its 2014 campaign is for governments to increase taxes, thus reducing consumption.

A member of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) in Grahamstown, who identified himself only by his first name, Eugene, in line with the organisation's policies, says the government raising excise taxes makes smoking too expensive.

"Most of those (who smoke) can’t afford it anyway," he said this week.

Currently South African smokers pay 52% excise tax on the retail price. However, recommendations by the WHO are that this be raised to 70% of the retail price.

This year’s budget raised the price of a pack of 20s by 68c. On the top end of the spectrum, smokers already pay R36 a box, while the cheapest box dents the pocket by R18.

With new recommendations, smokers are looking at upwards of R22 a box at low end and premium smokers will pay in excess of R42 a box.

For those attempting to quit the habit, Eugene proposes take it “one day at a time”.

He says there are many programmes that can help those wanting to quit and NA’s 12-step programme is just one.

However, he believes the government should promote the positives of not smoking as effectively as they promote the negatives of smoking.

Narcotics Anonyms meets every Thursday at NG Kerk at 7pm.

For a free booklet on how to quit, you can go to:
http://www.againstsmoking.co.za/download-our-quit-booklet-today/