May 31st marks World No Tobacco Day, a global initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and to advocate for effective policies to reduce its use.
This year, as the world reflects on progress and persisting challenges, it is important to acknowledge the powerful role of women leaders in driving health policy reform, especially Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, whose work in South Africa has left a lasting legacy.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma served as South Africa’s Minister of Health from 1994 to 1999. During her tenure, she was instrumental in introducing and championing legislation that significantly restricted tobacco use in public spaces facing strong resistance from tobacco companies.
The Tobacco Products Control Act of 1993, though initially passed before she assumed office, was strengthened under her leadership through strongamendments and regulations. Dr Dlamini Zuma ensured the enforcement of smoking bans in public places, restrictions on tobacco advertising, and the mandatory inclusion of health warnings on packaging. Her firm stance on tobacco control made her a formidable advocate for public health on the African continent.
Dr Dlamini Zuma’s contribution is more than a case study in effective policy making, it is a testament to the transformative power of women’s leadership in government. Her work shows how women leaders bringstrategic thinking to governance, often championing issues that directly impact families and communities. In South Africa, Dr Dlamini Zuma’s efforts not only helped reduce exposure to harmful tobacco smoke but also paved way for prioritizing public well-being over corporate interests.
The measures championed by Dr Dlamini Zuma continue to influence South Africa’s tobacco control landscape. Her work paved the way for later laws, such as the proposed Control of Tobacco and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill, which seeks to strengthen existing regulations to include modern tobacco products.
In a world where tobacco use remains one of the leading preventable causes of death, her contributions remain profoundly relevant. By aligning national health policies with WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, she positioned South Africa as a continental leader in tobacco regulation.
As we commemorate World No Tobacco Day, let us honour not only the strides made in reducing tobacco use but also the leadership that made it possible. Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma’s legacy exemplifies how women in positions of power can drive meaningful, life-saving change. Her work is a reminder that empowering women in leadership is not just a matter of equity, it’s essential for building healthier communities.
