Country view

South Africa

Africa · 45 testimonials · 26 cities represented

45 stories
26 cities
Avg age 45.9

Key insight

In South Africa, the leading product is Vape (97.8%) and the most common flavour is Dessert / Sweet (31.1%).

Top product: Vape (97.8%)
Top flavour: Dessert / Sweet (31.1%)

Country snapshot

45

Testimonials

26 cities represented
Avg. smoke-free years: 9.4

Avg. years smoked

20.4

Avg. previous cigarettes/day

30.6

Avg. smoke-free years

9.4

Avg. age

45.9

Demographic snapshot

Based on approved testimonials with available profile data.

Male: 88.9%
Female: 11.1%
Other / Unspecified: 0.0%
Average age: 45.9

Male

88.9%

Female

11.1%

Other / Unspecified

0.0%
GSTHR

Policy & Data Context

South Africa

Explore detailed country-level data on regulations, policies, and harm reduction from an independent global research initiative.

Global dataset
Independent research
Policy tracking
View GSTHR Profile →

Upcoming events

See THR-relevant events, consultations, hearings, and other activities linked to this country.

Global Forum on Nicotine - 2026Global
3 Jun 2026

Upcoming events may include country-specific, regional, and global items relevant to South Africa.

Preferred THR product stats

Preference ranking based on approved testimonials.

Most preferred product

Vape

Highest-ranked THR product in this country

97.8%
44 testimonials
Multiple products1 · 2.2%

Preferred flavour stats

Flavour ranking based on approved testimonials.

Most preferred flavour

Dessert / Sweet

Highest-ranked flavour in this country

31.1%
14 testimonials
Fruit14 · 31.1%
Multiple flavours8 · 17.8%
Tobacco5 · 11.1%
Menthol / Mint4 · 8.9%

Country Map

Explore where individuals in this country have shared their transition away from smoking. Currently showing cities in Gauteng.

Testimonials

Scope: Gauteng
Showing 21-27 of 27
Anonymous40 yrsPretoriaGauteng22 years smoked4 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

I had many failed attempts at quitting smoking. with varying levels of success. 4 months here 1 year there, but eventually I would find myself smoking again. when I quit the last time, my relapse instead of going back to smoking I went to vaping. I went from between 10 to 15 smokes a day even buying illegal smokes in lockdown to vaping to cold turkey, something that happened many times before the difference is every other time, I would go back to smoking after managing to quit. with Vaping I managed to actually stay off smokes.

Peter Schoeman43 yrsPretoriaGauteng25 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

Vaping definitely saved my life. I have never been healthier. I currently vape Rebuildable Boro devices as this has also become my hobby and hopefully an income source for me in the future.

Timothy Victor54 yrsEdenvaleGauteng30 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeMultiple flavours

if it was not for me switching to vaping I doubt I'd be here today, I was in a bad state health wise due to smoking, vaping literally saved my life

Gavin36 yrsBenoniGauteng12 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

Smoked due to work stressors, switched to vaping and would never look back

RIC32 yrsRandburgGauteng8 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

I was on cigarettes for 8byears before making the switch over to Vaping... Since I have made the decision to switch to vaping not only do I feel alot healthier but I do not see myself craving and using the product as much as I smoked cigarettes

Anonymous50 yrsFaerie GlenGauteng26 years smoked14 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

Vaping literally saved my life. After smoking up to 60 cigarettes a day I was warned to stop for obvious health reasons. After trying numerous products and even trying to go cold turkey, the only thing that got totally off combustible tobacco was vaping. Since starting to vape my health improved, energy levels increased, tate and smell increased and found it to be an easy transition.

Kurt Yeo51 yrsBenoniGauteng20 years smoked11 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

Due to losing my parents to smoking-related illnesses, I decided to quit smoking. Saying that quitting is hard is an understatement. After nearly ten years of numerous failed attempts, I discovered electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vapes. Within three days of starting, I managed to quit completely. Now, more than ten years later, I have stayed smoke-free. I still vape because I believe nicotine offers benefits to my life, but I choose to consume it in a much safer way. I feel much better than I ever did as a smoker, and my family are no longer exposed to the harmful by-products of combustion or the fear that another loved one might fall victim to the deadly effects of tobacco. Vaping not only saved my life but also gave me a new purpose.

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