How tobacco, alcohol spending impacts households in South Africa

A GROUNDBREAKING study by the University of Cape Town (UCT) has shed light on the economic and health consequences of tobacco and alcohol consumption in South Africa, particularly for lower-income households and children.

- SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

PhD candidate Zunda Chisha, who graduates this week with a doctorate in economics, found that tobacco and alcohol use diverts spending from essential needs such as education, housing, and transport.

His research further revealed that parental spending on these substances negatively affects child health outcomes, including being underweight-for-age indicators.

“Notably, tobacco spending diverts resources from essential needs, particularly education, housing, transport, and household goods, posing especially severe challenges for lower-income households,” Chisha explained.

“Notably, alcohol expenditure tends to rise in tandem with tobacco spending, underscoring the interconnections of these substances.”