Country view

South Africa

Africa · 59 testimonials · 32 cities represented

59 stories
32 cities
Avg age 44.4

Key insight

In South Africa, the leading product is Vape (94.9%) and the most common flavour is Fruit (32.2%).

Top product: Vape (94.9%)
Top flavour: Fruit (32.2%)

Country snapshot

59

Testimonials

32 cities represented
Avg. smoke-free years: 8.9

Avg. years smoked

19.9

Avg. previous cigarettes/day

30.1

Avg. smoke-free years

8.9

Avg. age

44.4

Demographic snapshot

Based on approved testimonials with available profile data.

Male: 86.4%
Female: 13.6%
Other / Unspecified: 0.0%
Average age: 44.4

Male

86.4%

Female

13.6%

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.

No published upcoming events yet for this country.

Preferred THR product stats

Preference ranking based on approved testimonials.

Most preferred product

Vape

Highest-ranked THR product in this country

94.9%
56 testimonials
Multiple products2 · 3.4%
Heated tobacco1 · 1.7%

Preferred flavour stats

Flavour ranking based on approved testimonials.

Most preferred flavour

Fruit

Highest-ranked flavour in this country

32.2%
19 testimonials
Dessert / Sweet17 · 28.8%
Multiple flavours12 · 20.3%
Menthol / Mint6 · 10.2%
Tobacco5 · 8.5%

Country Map

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

Testimonials

Scope: Gauteng
Showing 1-10 of 32
Anonymous28 yrsJohannesburgGauteng10 years smoked2 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

I enjoyed cigarettes because of the dopamine hit and nicotine hit , I didn't understand how all those chemicals effected me until I started getting involved with people that picked up vaping , I tried it a couple of time then I eventually found myself craving cigarettes less and less and started to enjoy vaping so much more , my chest cleared up in matter of days my congested nose my taste came back my sense of smell returned and I can advocate for vaping as a less harmful alternative its so much more cleaner so much more enjoyable its no longer a hobby the market has evolved so much its a lifestyle I advocate for and try and educate people on the subject because vaping is 3 components not a 1000 chemicals including tar like cigarettes have and that effects your lungs immensely, to conclude my feedback, stop cigarettes and go for a less harmful alternative

Anonymous35 yrsMerafong City Local MunicipalityGauteng15 years smoked12 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

I feel alot better sleep better and lungs feel better not tired any more. Dont get sick anymore.

Dian Broodryk30 yrsPretoriaGauteng2 years smoked11 years smoke-freeVapeMultiple flavours

Started smoking cigarillos at age 17, with an occasional cigarette as well. Smoked hubbly since age 14 at social settings. Started vaping at age 19 and managed to drop the cigarillos, cigarettes and hubbly immediately. Been vaping ever since for the last 11 years and feel great. I have taken my nicotine intake from 3.5% down to 0.5% in the last year and will keep dropping and quit vaping entirely soon.

Gayleen Baxter63 yrsBenoniGauteng40 years smoked4 years smoke-freeHeated tobaccoMenthol / Mint

I smoked for years. Cigarettes were part of my life. Smokers are not stupid and I knew they were bad for me. Four years ago I switched to Vaping-nicotine free. I don't believe vaping is good for you but in my opinion vaping is a thousand times better. My family no longer complain, the dogs don't move away, the car, house, curtains, my clothes no longer smell like an ashtray! No stained teeth nor smelling bins. The strange thing is many smokers want to quit but I didn't really want to. Kurt Yeo spoke to me about vaping and honestly it was a practical middle ground for me. I converted in one day! Im not claiming vaping is risk free. Nobody honestly does and common sense says something repeatedly caries risk. But I can compare one thing with certainty. How I feel then to how I feel now. I sleep better. My surroundings are cleaner. People around me are happier especially my husband and grandchildren. This is not medical advice simply a former Smokers experience.

Lance S44 yrsJohannesburgGauteng24 years smoked5 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

Smoked only, then smoked and vaped together for about 7 years. Before going for a hip replacement, the dr said they wouldn't till I quit smoking for 6 weeks. After my own research, I found that the risk of infection is 7 times greater if smoking. Could even lead to amputation. So then dropped the smokes completely and vaping only for about 5 years. I vape HEAVILY (120ml 3mg a week min) and feels like I've never touched a cigarette in my life. No more wheezing, coughing, nothing.

Clayton Reeve42 yrsBrakpanGauteng15 years smoked15 years smoke-freeVapeMenthol / Mint

I stopped smoking cigarettes 15 years ago. I had continuous cravings for nicotine until I started vaping. Feels much better and has no apparent side effects from vaping.

Niel51 yrsRoodepoortGauteng26 years smoked10 years smoke-freeVapeDessert / Sweet

My brother and I decided to quite combustible tobacco at the same time. I bought 2 starter kits, enough liquid, batteries and coils to last for a while. The following day we were dual users to get use to the vaping device and nicotine delivery. That was the last day that either of us smoked combustible tobacco and to date we only vape. I have to do an annual medical checkup to ensure I am fit for work. Although vaping has become part of the questionnaire over the past 5 years. Before that if I was asked if I smoke the answer was no. During the lung function test they could notice any problem with my lungs.

Connor31 yrsKempton ParkGauteng7 years smoked11 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

Started smoking due to it being considered cool and I was curious as the friends and family at the time were smoking cigarettes too. I know for a fact that smoking cigarettes open the curiosity to try illegal substances. As for that I went into rehab for 14 months (Noupoort Christian Care Centre). I quit smoking cigarettes there as it’s forced, however I was released back into the world and the cravings were too great and I started smoking hookapipe (hubbly-bubbly). Was introduced to vaping from a friend, once I saved up enough to purchase my first vaping device and eliquid in 2015. It has become my go to, to stay away from not only cigarettes but also illegal substances. It’s been life changing experience with the community and having the opportunity to get into the business and do the same for over 3000 people. I now strive to help those who want to quit with vaping, like I did. With the correct vaping system and multiple flavours to choose from, helped me achieve a cigarette free lifestyle. Vaping has helped me experience the healthier lifestyle that I now project to others who are looking for the less harmful alternative.

Dawoe42 yrsJohannesburgGauteng12 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

Hi i have been a smoker since 18 year of age i am vaping for the last 8 years and been the best switch ever. My healt has never been beter and dont regret it ine day. I can taste beter and feel beter would recomend anyone to make the switch

Hardus47 yrsPretoriaGauteng24 years smoked8 years smoke-freeVapeMultiple flavours

Been smoke free for 8 years , tried every posible method to quit smoking and nothing worked . Vaping saved my live

↑ Top