Question NW2662 to the Minister of Health
22 September 2023 - NW2662
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Health
(1)Whether, with reference to the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the World Health Organisation (WHO) framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), the Meeting of the Parties (COP) to the Protocol that will be held in November 2023 in Panama, as well as the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control AFRO (AFRO) regional meeting taking place in Rwanda from 23 to 27 October 2023, (a) the delegation, including potential members from other government departments, public sector entities and participants not working in the public sector have been mandated to agree to any new stipulations under the COP Treaty; if not, why not; if so, what is the extent of this mandate; (2) whether any part of the mandate to agree to any new stipulations falls outside of current legislation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether public comment from the legislative process related to the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has been incorporated into the delegation’s mandate as well as into the mandate of delegations for MOP and AFRO; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) whether any measures, in terms of the delegations to COP, MOP and AFRO’s decision-making and mandate formation, have been put in place to ensure its work does not pre-empt the legislative process and nullify public participation process on the live bill; if not, why not, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
(1) The delegates would agree with mandates that are in-line with the country’s goals, existing and planned regulatory frameworks to control the use of Tobacco and related products.
(2) The current Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill has not been passed yet, if during the consultative process there individual or stakeholders that would propose amendments that can advance public health without compromising the health of vulnerable groups they may be considered.
(3) The mandate of the delegation is to engage on matters that will advance public health, as indicated in earlier responses, the country position on various agenda items has not been finalised.
(4) South Africa follows its own legislative process as mandated by Parliament.
END.