South Africa’s vape industry operates in a legislative vacuum, while lawmakers push a tobacco-style bill that could ban flavors and drive consumers to the illicit market. At the heart of the debate is the hostile slogan “harm is harm,” a rhetorical weapon used to erase distinctions between smoking and safer nicotine products. Shot on location at GFN 2025 in Warsaw, Asanda Gcoyi, CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa, exposes how global NGOs shape local policy, the challenges of youth vaping narratives, and why recognizing relative risk is essential for the country’s smoke-free future.

Featuring:

ASANDA GCOYI

CEO, Vapour Products Association of South Africa

@VPASouthAfrica

vpasa.org.za