VPASA Communication

[Silver]

Hey Subscriber, 8 days to go until submissions close!

The Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill is at a critical stage — and now is our chance to make a real impact. The parliamentary public participation process is currently underway and it is absolutely crucial that we as an industry and as a community take full advantage of this opportunity to shape the future of the vapour products industry in South Africa.

Your voice matters
Your voice holds immense power during this phase of the Bill. The more submissions made by those who believe in the positive impacts being made by this industry, the more difficult it will be for the committee to overlook us. A flood of substantive responses and comments that highlight the importance of our industry and the positive impacts it can bring to former smokers and those seeking harm-reduced alternatives to tobacco will provide an impetus for the committee to review the current form of the Bill.

Your story, our values
Whether you work in the industry or are part of the wider vaping community, there is an opportunity to participate. We specifically call on those of you who are willing to share your story to raise your hand to provide an oral presentation. Your personal experiences and insights can provide invaluable context to the committee, presenting them with a better understanding of the impact of this legislation.

Support is on-hand
If you need any assistance or guidance with writing your submission or preparing for an oral presentation, we are here to help. Reach out to us on email.

Together, we can ensure your voice is heard loud and clear.

The time to act is now! Let’s work together to ensure our industry‘s concerns and contributions are given the attention they deserve. Make your submission, prepare for an oral presentation and engage with the vaping community to create a united front in shaping the future of the vapour products industry.

Now is not the time to remain silent. Together, we can make a significant impact and create a positive change. Thank you for your continuous support and let’s keep pushing forward.

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Share this mailer with your associates, friends and family. Encourage them to participate in the public participation process, too.
• Spread the word on social media by re-sharing our content that speaks about the importance of the Bill for the vapour products industry. Use the hashtag #NoSmokeJustVapour to create a powerful online presence.
• Avail yourselves to make oral submissions.

Sincerely,

Asanda Gcoyi
VPASA CEO

 

[Resistance]

Vaping Saved My Life is just 'industry propaganda' | The Citizen

The vaping industry and scientists seem to be at odds with each other regarding the safety of vaping with a new tobacco bill on the way.

www.citizen.co.za

 

[Silver]

November 2023 VPASA Newsletter

We hope you're doing great and staying in good health! As 2023 approaches its end and a lot of us are feeling the fatigue, let's catch you up on the latest happenings in South Africa’s vaping industry.

A song we have been singing (and will continue to) is about youth access prevention. We have officially launched a new level of our evergreen YAP campaign. There has been a lot of buzz in the air about the uptake of youth vaping particularly as we approach exam season. It's super important that we all pitch in to keep the youngsters from getting into vaping which is why this rendition of the campaign is all about re-education. We are going to make this campaign bigger by including all retailers (not just vaping businesses) in an effort to keep vaping products away from those under 18.

Over and above the efforts we take to ensure industry players are doing the right thing. Now we're talking to you, the parents – it's time to have that talk with your kids and make sure they know vaping is a no-go for them! Stay tuned to our platforms to get all the relevant information.

Onto the biggest thorn in the industry’s side, the public hearings in Mpumalanga and Free State concluded last week on the 29th of October.

There was some representation from the vaping industry but it could be so much better. There’s no need to remind you that if this bill gets passed as it currently is, we’re all in deep trouble. Seeing as more public hearings are coming up in Gauteng and the Western Cape this November 2023, we call on you to make sure you spread the word too! The stories of how vaping has changed your and your families’ and friends’ lives are what matter – you are the living evidence and Parliament needs to hear this. Let's band together and make some noise to fight this bill! We want the industry to be regulated, but this current bill is not the way to go about it.

The above is not to say it’s all gloom and doom for the industry. We do appreciate you all for your ongoing support. We love hearing from you and appreciate your feedback and suggestions. We're here to keep you informed and we are always ready to listen. Let’s end the year off with a bang and fight for the survival of vaping in South Africa!

Sincerely,
Asanda Gcoyi
VPASA CEO

 

[Hooked]

Fat chance! Will the supermarkets, garages etc. stop selling to under 18s??? Money talks.