Country view

South Africa

Africa · 52 testimonials · 28 cities represented

52 stories
28 cities
Avg age 45.9

Key insight

In South Africa, the leading product is Vape (96.2%) and the most common flavour is Fruit (32.7%).

Top product: Vape (96.2%)
Top flavour: Fruit (32.7%)

Country snapshot

52

Testimonials

28 cities represented
Avg. smoke-free years: 9.1

Avg. years smoked

21.1

Avg. previous cigarettes/day

31.2

Avg. smoke-free years

9.1

Avg. age

45.9

Demographic snapshot

Based on approved testimonials with available profile data.

Male: 88.5%
Female: 11.5%
Other / Unspecified: 0.0%
Average age: 45.9

Male

88.5%

Female

11.5%

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

96.2%
50 testimonials
Heated tobacco1 · 1.9%
Multiple products1 · 1.9%

Preferred flavour stats

Flavour ranking based on approved testimonials.

Most preferred flavour

Fruit

Highest-ranked flavour in this country

32.7%
17 testimonials
Dessert / Sweet15 · 28.8%
Multiple flavours10 · 19.2%
Menthol / Mint5 · 9.6%
Tobacco5 · 9.6%

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 29
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

Cilliers Retief54 yrsCenturionGauteng3 years smoked10 years smoke-freeVapeTobacco

I only smoked the f**king cigarettes for 3 years and began when I was 41, but in that 3 years it became a TOTAL addiction and at 44 I saw someone vaping one of the ancient Subox Mini's - I was amazed and had to have one!! Since then never looked back...

Michael Ryan42 yrsNigelGauteng16 years smoked9 years smoke-freeVapeFruit

After years of smoking and suffering with multiple health issues, doctors warned me to quit smoking if i wanted to see improvements towards my health and the symptoms I was experiencing. After about 16 years I made the decision to quit smoking, and I tried numerous times through different channels such as nicotine patches, gum and other methods to which non worked for me. One day when with friends I got introduced to Vape, I gave it some thought and researched into it and decided to give it a try which I did. After buying my first Vape those years back and after that day I have not touched another cigarette again and could not be any happier about the decision I made. Not only did it help me to quit smoking but after about 2 weeks I started feeling quite an improvement towards my health as well. My allergies have improved, no longer suffer with my sinus half as bad as what I used too, do not find myself running short of breath as badly as what I used to, sense of smell and taste has improved significantly that even my doctor one day told me that he is really impressed with how my health has improved so significantly after a health check. I have never looked back and will never look back again. Vaping has saved my life and better it in such a positive way that I will never touch a cigarette again. I wake up feeling more refreshed and can even run around and play with my kinds without worrying of losing my breath like before. I thank Vaping and the friends who introduced me to it, the ultimate best decision without regrets and now heading towards 10 years smoke free without looking back, not even once! #Vaping SavedMyLife

Lilanie Schutte45 yrsEmfuleni Local MunicipalityGauteng15 years smoked16 years smoke-freeVapeMenthol / Mint

I stopped smoking in my 30's, started vaping. I have reduced my nicotine intake gradually and am now nicotine free. Vaping helped me quit sigarettes after many attempts. I tried cold turkey, champix tablets, pouches nothing worked.

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