VAPERS VOICES
Many adult South Africans have used vaping as a method to help them quit smoking and practice tobacco harm reduction.
Since the very beginning, VSML has invited people to share their experiences and what this innovation means to them.
Their stories should not be ignored.
Zaheer Cassim
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
8
Vaping Years:
6
Flavours:
Dessert
I was smoking a pack of cigarettes a day before I quit and started vaping. I initially vaped very high nicotine (18mg) but now vape 1.5mg nicotine dessert e-liquid.
My health has changed and became so much better since I started vaping. With cigarettes, I used to get sick atleast 5-6 times a year. Since I started vaping, I only get sick from time to time so my immunity has become much stronger (even with Covid).
I lost 2 family members to Covid due to them smoking heavily whereas me and many others who vape were hardly affected. If that is not proof in the pudding then I don’t know what is.
Date Uploaded: 20230725
janine holthuysen
Age:
56
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
40
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I have tried on numerous occasions to stop cigarette smoking. Nothing worked. Within two weeks of vaping I have not touched a cigarette. I feel healthier and not enslaved to a terrible habit for the first time in my life. To ban this lifeline to people would be criminal.
Date Uploaded: 20231127
Azhar Mohamed
Age:
33
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
11
Vaping Years:
10
Flavours:
Fruit
The best move Ive made for my health I can exercise better smell better taste better and life on the whole is just better
Date Uploaded: 20200624
Daleen Erasmus
Age:
43
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
10
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Started smoking as a teenager Out when I got married and started again after my divorce. I bought two pens from a vape store with mint flavours. I still needed my siggies. I met someone special who wanted me to quit: I tried hard. I started vaping again when Lockdown started. From there on, I was vaping only The one thing I loved with vaping was my daughter hugging me more
Date Uploaded: 20210921
Ethan van Rensburg
Age:
29
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
8
Vaping Years:
5
Flavours:
Like more than one type
Been a smoker since high school. Even after saying I would never. Met the girl of my dreams, went on a cruise with her and her family. Just hours after having a morning stinky. She walked past me, and told me I ” smell like a stompie” last stinky I ever smoked. Came of the ship, and bought my first vape. Became a member of the Durban vaping community. Made the best relationships through vaping.
Date Uploaded: 20210717
Jaco Jacobs
Age:
47
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
30
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Like more than one type
No more shortness of breath no more night and morning coughing, no more stinking like an astray, feel good and have more energy can breath freely and taste and smell , i have a normal life , and bo more 60 smokes a day , vaping literally saved my life
Date Uploaded: 20230714
Manuel Jose Ferraz Pereira
Age:
31
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
9
Vaping Years:
2
Flavours:
Like more than one type
I’ve been diagnosed with tonseliters where I was recommended to stop smoking but the urge for smoking was a problem and I couldn’t stop till my Dr Rogee said he would suggest nicotine patches or nicotine patches to help me stop but has side effects. So my Dr said he would rather have me vape and ever since I’ve been vaping and had no issues ever. I find that vaping saved my life and I would recommended it to anyone
Date Uploaded: 20220115
Milan
Age:
44
Current Smoker:
No
Smoking Years:
22
Vaping Years:
1
Flavours:
Fruit
Date Uploaded: 20200708