“We’ve Heard That for Years”: SA Outraged as Mzansi Man Breaks Down New Smoking Laws in TikTok Video

• A South African content creator broke down proposed new smoking and vaping laws heading towards South Africa’s Parliament
• The bill, if passed, could ban smoking in public places, plain-pack cigarettes, and restrict vaping products
• South Africans pushed back hard online, questioning the government’s priorities amid crime and crumbling infrastructure

South Africa could soon face some of its strictest anti-smoking rules yet. Current news creator EJV posted a TikTok video on 14 August 2026 breaking down what the proposed legislation could mean for everyday smokers and vapers across the country.

According to EJV, a government committee is currently working through the bill before it heads to Parliament. He cited a BusinessTech report detailing the proposed changes.

What the new smoking bill could change

If the bill is signed into law, the changes would be significant. Smoking and vaping inside public spaces would be prohibited. Cigarettes could be required to carry plain packaging with large health warnings, and shops may no longer be allowed to display tobacco or vaping products openly.

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Advertising and promotions for both cigarettes and vapes could be banned outright, and vending machine sales may face restrictions. Those who break the rules could face heavy fines or even jail time.

EJV was careful to note that none of this is law yet. The bill still needs to go through Parliament before it can become law. He also pointed out that the committee has acknowledged that cigarettes and nicotine products like vapes are not identical, which could affect how each is regulated.

EJV explains SA’s new smoking bill in the TikTok video below:

Mzansi not impressed with the proposed laws

The video struck a nerve, with South Africans flooding the comments to voice their frustration, many questioning why the government was focused on smoking when bigger problems remain unsolved.

@Marcel31za wrote:

“It sounds like someone wants to make money.”

@CODM PestControlSA said:

“So I can drink myself paralytic in public but not have a smoke. Great.”

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@Naasief Ameer said:

“Get rid of alcohol and drugs then I’ll quit vaping.”

@Estelle wrote:

“They must rather focus on the crime in this country than this. 🤪”

More about newly proposed SA laws

• The government has extended the public comment period for proposed amendments to South Africa's eviction laws.
• The AARTO speed fine system rolled out to 62 municipalities on 1 July 2026, giving drivers a 10km/h buffer before fines kick in.
• Cycling under the influence of alcohol is now treated as a criminal offense in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Source: Briefly News