Sizwe Alakine Promotes #StopTheTobaccoBill

Reason has had monumental success since changing his entire public persona from rapper to Amapiano vocalist after he reintroduced himself to the music industry as Sizwe Alakine. A fact which is affirmed by the fact that since the change and release of his first Amapiano album Alakine World, he had the pleasure of earning his first-ever plaque.

But it seems that recently, there has been another matter which has had the rapper and lyricist concerned. Specifically, it is the proposed Tobacco Bill.

Sizwe Alakine promotes #StopTheTobaccoBill

Back in October 2022, news outlets ran the story circulating the new regulations on smokers which are considered harsher than those that were initially introduced with the Tobacco Act. It seems the newly amended act prohibits public smoking. It seems the newly amended act prohibits public smoking.

The Mail & Guardian had written a detailed article on the matter in part reading:

The bill introduces a 100% smoke-free indoor law that prohibits smoking in any enclosed public space, workplace and conveyance. It further extends such a prohibition to areas close to windows, ventilation inlets and exits close to those enclosed public spaces, workplaces or conveyances.
Other areas in which smoking is prohibited include multi-unit residences, health facilities (excluding rehab centres), and private dwellings used for commercial childcare, domestic employment, schooling or tutoring.

Moreover, those attempting to infringe on the act will face jail time. A fact, which Sizwe seemingly only got told about only recently. As such, he took to Twitter to share his surprise and outright disgruntlement on the proposed amended act.

Just for clarity the new tobacco bill that is being proposed will also prohibit the display of tobacco products, as well as e-cigarettes, vapes, and heat-not-burn products, in all retail settings, including speciality tobacco stores which does include groove#StopTheTobaccoBill
— Lwandle Shamase (@Zulu_Goku) February 16, 2023

As a result, he has championed the petition who has been created by the LTP, which has shared their official word via the petition’s website explaining that:

The Limpopo Tobacco Processors (LTP) is taking a stand to raise awareness of the new laws, and calls on you for your support. Add your name to our petition, and share the petition with your colleagues, friends and family.
I implore the South African Government and Parliament to stop the CONTROL OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS BILL 2018
This new law will criminalise smoking and have a disastrous effect on the legal tobacco industry, as well as on small businesses and traders.
By clicking the Submit button, you acknowledge that you are 18+ and that your name and contact details may be included in the Petition which will be submitted to the South African Government and to NEDLAC.
For more information regarding the LTP’s privacy practices and your rights in respect of your personal information, please see our Privacy Notice.

This has to be some kinda joke. I just came across the new tobacco Bill that they wanna pass in our country. Surely we have more serious crimes?? We need start signing this petition ASAP. #StopTheTobaccoBill https://t.co/KIuQ0ailY2 pic.twitter.com/IYW1XMMFD0
— Sizwe Alakine World (@ReasonHD) February 16, 2023

Currently, the petition has only amassed 252 signatures. However, it is unclear how many it is looking to accrue to validate the petition.

I could give you a million crimes in SA that deserve immediate jail time and I can tell you for free that smoking isn’t one of them. #StopTheTobaccoBill
Sign the petition here: https://t.co/kO0uXBKu88
— no (@NotYetUhuru_) February 16, 2023

With an alarming crime rate in this country, I really shouldn’t have to worry about going to jail for smoking my vape in the comfort of my own home. This Tobacco Bill is absolutely ridiculous and must be stopped!#StopTheTobaccoBill https://t.co/OVHtD5Zwgs
— Andile Kuhlekwanele Nzimande (@AndileNzimande_) February 16, 2023

While Sizwe and fellow smokers might advocate for the petition, it seems that there are those that have supported the amendment. More so given the fact that second-hand smoking is allegedly more dangerous than first hand smoking.

Image credit: ZAlebs

Sizwe Alakine Promotes #StopTheTobaccoBill

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