Lobamba- The Ministry of Health has raised concern over the dangers of vaping and betting among young people, warning that the pursuit of quick money and the growing appeal of nicotine products could put their health, finances and mental wellbeing at risk.
The warning was delivered to young people in Engwenyameni under Lobamba Lomdzala Inkhundla by Vusi Shabangu from the Ministry’s Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health (NCDIMH) Department during an awareness session focusing on tobacco products, vaping, gambling and their consequences.
Shabangu cautioned that tobacco use can contribute to serious health complications, including lung diseases and kidney failure. He also drew attention to the growing appeal of vaping products designed to resemble ordinary gadgets, including USB drives and pens, making them attractive to young people who may not fully appreciate the risks associated with nicotine.
The colourful packaging and designs of these products particularly shocked young people who attended the session, exposing their concern over how manufacturers make vaping products appealing to the youth.
However, the Ministry’s warning extended beyond physical health, with Shabangu highlighting the financial and psychological consequences of betting. He explained that gambling can lead to substantial financial losses and mental health challenges, particularly when young people become caught up in the pursuit of winnings.
“You cannot download money online while other people are sleeping. You will hear someone who has won E15 000.00 shouting at the top of his/her voice. This will lure you to place bets and you will end being a part of the people who will payback the E15 000.00 won by that person,” said Shabangu.
His remarks highlighted how stories of large betting wins can entice others to gamble, creating the impression that betting offers an easy route to financial success while concealing the risk of losing money.
The combination of vaping, betting and mental health challenges presents a concern because the consequences can extend beyond one aspect of a young person’s life. Nicotine use threatens physical health, while gambling losses can place financial pressure on individuals and contribute to emotional distress.
The awareness session also gave young people an opportunity to reflect on the methods used to market vaping products and the risks associated with betting. Their reaction to the products’ designs underscored the need for continued education to help them make informed decisions.
Engwenyameni’s Bucopho, Makhwanati Shiba, thanked the Ministry of Health for bringing the awareness campaign to the area and pledged to organise further sessions addressing tobacco and related products, betting and other challenges affecting the community.
The session forms part of efforts to encourage young people to protect their health, exercise caution around addictive products and avoid financial decisions that could compromise their future wellbeing.
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