PIC: Westerford High School recovers 50 vapes from blocked drain

Lester Kiewit speaks to Mark Smith, Principal of Westerford High School.

Listen below:

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Westerford High School in Cape Town says it's grappling with an unexpected consequence of students vaping - blocked drains caused by discarded e-cigarettes.

Smith says the school recently recovered around 50 vapes from a drain.

He believes that in an attempt to evade detection, students have been tossing their vapes into the school's drainage system.

The school has a strict 'no-vaping' policy, but it remains a problem.

"We're obviously trying to do our best to stem the tide. We have said it's something we'll police and patrol, but the figures just seem too high. We can't stop everybody and check."

- Mark Smith, Principal - Westerford High School

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A recent study found that vaping among South African pupils is prevalent.

Over 25,000 high school students across 52 schools in eight provinces were surveyed. Tthe results showed that an estimated 16.8% of the sampled learners currently use e-cigarettes.

"We have a wand that we use to pick up vapes and we are allowed to legally search if we have reasonable suspicion, but knowing what is in that vape is another story."

- Mark Smith, Principal - Westerford High School

Many of these pupils surveyed for the study said they vape to manage stress.

About 47% admitted reaching for a vape within an hour of waking up, suggesting a level of addiction or dependence to the nicotine.

"I hear that there are vapes that have dagga in it."

- Mark Smith, Principal - Westerford High School

Smith says many of the devices are odour-free, and learners are using them inside the classroom.

"You can get away with it very easily, and you don't see it."

- Mark Smith, Principal - Westerford High School

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