Objectives:

Commemorate World No Tobacco Day 2026 in alignment with the global theme, “Unmasking the Appeal- countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.” 

Highlight the wide range of tobacco and nicotine products, including the emergence of new products designed to sustain nicotine addiction.  

Questions/key issues to be covered:

Raise awareness of the scientific mechanisms behind these products and the associated health risks. 
Examine the marketing strategies employed by the tobacco industry, with particular emphasis on how youth are targeted. 
Clarify the roles and responsibilities of relevant government departments in tobacco control and regulatory frameworks.

Speakers:

Ms Rebone Ntsie,
Chief Director: Health Promotion, Nutrition and Oral Health

Khosi. ṊeSongozwi MuDzanani, 
Director: Health Promotion, NDoH

Ms Lungile Mavundla, 
Policy Advocacy Officer, the National Council Against Smoking, South Africa.

Mx Lesego Mateme
Project Coordinator, South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum  

Prof. Catherine Egbe,  
Chief Specialist Scientist: Mental health, Alcohol, Substance use and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council.

Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf, 
Professor and Chairperson/Head: School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH), University of Pretoria, and Public Health Professor: Behaviour and Health Management Sciences 
Director: Africa Centre for Tobacco Industry Monitoring and Policy Research (ATIM).
Director: National Council Against Smoking (NCAS).

Mr Thomas van Huyssteen, 
Country Lead, Development Gateway, South Africa, and the Tobacco Control Data Initiative (TCDI)

Ms Lorato Mahura, 
Deputy Director: Health Promotion and WHO FCTC Focal Person for Tobacco Control

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