Swapo Party MP, Joseph Sikongo, has called for stronger enforcement of laws regulating the sale and distribution of tobacco and nicotine products to minors.

Sikongo also wants to see increased awareness among learners, parents, and teachers for counselling, prevention, and early-intervention services in schools.

Sikongo made the call during his contribution to the Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs report on the investigation into the use of hubbly-bubbly, vaping products, and other substances among learners.

He informed the house that the investigation identified several factors contributing to substance use among learners, including peer pressure, curiosity, attractive flavours and packaging, social influence, easy availability in communities and commercial outlets, and gaps in enforcement.


The MP said the fact that some vaping devices can be disguised as ordinary objects also makes detection difficult for parents and teachers.



“Our children are our greatest investment. As we all know, even a family that does not have children has no future, because our future lies in our children. When learners become addicted to nicotine or other substances, we are not dealing only with disciplinary issues; we are also dealing with health, education, and family issues, which ultimately affect national development.”

It stressed that education authorities, health professionals, law enforcement, parents, and communities must work together to address the problem.

The Committee further emphasised that the response should not be purely punitive.

Prevention, education, counselling, and rehabilitation are equally important, particularly for learners who may already be experiencing substance dependency.

Sikongo said this is ultimately a call to action rather than a call to blame.


“Our response today will help determine whether these young people become healthy, productive citizens or whether they become victims of addictions and their consequences. Let us therefore strengthen our collective resolve to protect our children. Let us educate rather than ignore, prevent rather than react, intervene rather than abandon, and enforce the law where necessary.”