Nelson Mandela: The Anti-Smoking Champion

International Mandela Day

July is rounding up in a bit and looking back, we see its rich cultural and historical significance. Globally, especially in South Africa, it is a time to reflect on the power of resilience, freedom and the struggle for social justice. on July 18, we celebrate Nelson Mandela International Day (or Mandela Day) to mark the birth of an iconic figure, President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (a.k.a. Madiba). This day was officially declared as Mandela day in November 2009 by the United Nations (UN). The first UN Mandela Day was marked on 18 July 2010 (while Madiba was still alive!)

Birth, incarceration and long walk to freedom

Born on July 18, 1918 in Mvezo, near Mthatha in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, this legend began his remarkable journey to rescue his country from the cruel social injustice of apartheid – a crime against humanity. His greatest desire was freedom for his people. From his early days as an anti-apartheid activist to his final release from Victor Verster Prison in 1990, he was a man of courage, hope and a beacon of light.

In his autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom, President Mandela shared life events leading up to his arrest and subsequent incarceration for 27 years. The impact of his journey from Prisoner to President left an indelible mark on human history that still echoes through generations, constantly reminding us that we can change the world around us. Till date, his vision of a world where human dignity and equality is respected serves as a moral compass for the world.

Madiba’s commitment to public health

A remarkable aspect of Madiba’s life is his unwavering commitment to public health, particularly in the fight against tobacco. He was dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for policies to reduce tobacco use. President Mandela’s early life experiences as an anti-apartheid activist laid the framework for his work on tobacco control. He had experienced first-hand the injustices of apartheid that ravaged his country. In his activism for social justice, he became aware of the devastating effect of tobacco on marginalized communities and saw it as a form of injustice that needed to be challenged.

Caring for the future through tobacco control

President Mandela’s concern for the well-being of younger generations was the hallmark of his life and leadership. Little wonder that he was very vocal about the effects of tobacco use, especially among young people. He pointed out the heavy resultant effect of tobacco use on the health and living conditions of his people. He believed that educating and raising awareness was key to preventing tobacco use among them. Madiba maintained that he never smoked but when challenged that he was once seen with a cigarette in a photo, he replied that he did it to show off and did not smoke it.

On May 31st 1992, in his message to commemorate the 5th World No Tobacco Day, Mandela ranked tobacco use alongside AIDS, Famine and Pestilence saying that every 11 seconds, a human life is lost to tobacco-related disease. He declared tobacco a threat to the health of the world’s people. He asked everyone to unite to create a world where no one smokes, chews or sniffs tobacco. An excerpt from Madiba’s speech on the 5th World No Tobacco Day reads:

“Smoking is a problem both for the individual and for society. Smokers can no longer ignore the frightening facts about tobacco. But many are caught in a trap. They worry about their health, yet they also worry about how to live without cigarettes! They think they “should” stop but feel they “can’t”. So, it is easier to continue smoking than to try to stop. Stopping smoking is difficult. It requires energy, time and effort. Yet millions have quit and so regained control of their lives and their health. On May 31, I appeal to smokers to quit for one day, as a first step to conquering their habit. They say the hardest part about stopping smoking, is making the decision to do it. Make that decision for one day on May 31.” – Nelson Mandela

Let’s consider making Mandela day a ‘stop smoking’ day!

South Africa passes first tobacco control act

The following year, 1993, the South African Parliament passed its first Tobacco Product Control Act, making South Africa one of the global leaders in tobacco control due to its bold law and regulations for the control of tobacco. This law prohibited smoking in public places including bars, restaurants and workplaces (except in designated smoking areas) and regulated the sale and advertising of tobacco products. Over the years, this act has been amended four times leading to drastic reduction in exposure to secondhand smoke, encouraging smokers to quit and improving the health of the nation.

President Mandela had a broader understanding of the tobacco industry. He saw through the marketing gimmicks of big tobacco companies who use manipulative tactics to downplay the risk associated with tobacco use, making it seem appealing, fashionable and glamorous. He believed that they targeted vulnerable populations especially children and young adults, leaving devastating consequences in its wake. In the 1990’s, during his presidency, South Africa implemented a number of measures to regulate the tobacco industry, including banning advertisements and increasing taxes on tobacco products. These attempts not only discouraged young people from initiating smoking but encouraged those who smoke to quit.

Tobacco control promotes human dignity

Madiba’s strong advocacy for anti-tobacco laws was also not only to reduce the harm caused by tobacco use, but also to promote human dignity. He related a story from his prison experience while in Robben Island, where inmates would pick up the cigarette butts that prison warders had thrown on the toilet floors so they could later use the leftover tobacco to roll zols. It dawned on them, later on how low they had to stoop for a little pleasure of nicotine.

While smoking may have provided a temporary sense of pleasure and comfort, it ultimately undermined the value and worth of their lives as individuals. This experience had a profound effect on Mandela’s view of human dignity and tobacco consumption. In the face of dehumanizing jail conditions, Mandela experienced firsthand the effects of tobacco use on the health of fellow inmates. This would have undoubtedly strengthened his belief on the importance of a comprehensive public health system.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines tobacco-free living as a fundamental right, where human well-being and dignity is of utmost importance. It is estimated that tobacco kills about 8million people yearly and is a leading preventable cause of death globally. Tobacco-related diseases is responsible for over 39,000 deaths in South Africa yearly. Tobacco use is a major risk factor for numerous non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Tobacco use also exacerbates infectious diseases like TB and HIV.

A champion for change

President Mandela was an exceptional leader. He inspired people from all walks of life. His legacy on tobacco control has had a lasting impact on South Africa and beyond. His leadership in tobacco control inspired other world leaders to take action against the tobacco industry and realize that they have the responsibility to protect the health of their people, and make their communities smoke free. His anti-tobacco efforts have continued to inspire initiatives that have supported tobacco control programmes and research. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, Madiba’s remarkable life and legacy offer valuable lessons for the ongoing fight against tobacco control in South Africa and globally. His experiences and perspectives shed light on the importance of addressing the root cause of tobacco use as well as promoting equality to health care access.

A clarion call to uphold Madiba’s legacy in tobacco control

As we, in South Africa, await the continuation of the legislative process to make the Control of Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill by the new government of national unity, we urge all political parties and political leaders to follow Madiba’s footsteps by prioritizing the health of the nation over profits from tobacco. We urge all policymakers to draw wisdom, courage and commitment to creating a healthier South Africa from Madiba’s life and times, thus, honoring his legacy in one of the best ways they can as elected officials of the Republic of South Africa by passing the Tobacco Control Bill into law.

Happy Mandela Day!

Share this: