Asanda is an independent advisor with expertise in South Africa’s nicotine market and the broader African regulatory landscape. With 19 years of experience in public policy, regulatory strategy, and industry advocacy, she is a leading voice on tobacco harm reduction.
She previously served as CEO of the Vapour Products Association of South Africa (VPASA), where she championed evidence-based regulation balancing public health priorities with consumer choice. Gcoyi played a pivotal role in shaping South Africa’s still evolving vaping regulatory landscape. She was the lead negotiator on behalf of the vaping industry in legislative negotiations on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Bill between the government, business, labour, and communities in South Africa’s National Economic Development and Labour Council, a key statutory body in South Africa.
She contributes to discussions about vaping policy, tobacco regulation and safeguarding public health interests through the adoption of sensible harm reduction policies and strategies
All videos (1)
The social impacts of prohibition #GFN26
17 Jun 2026
What happens when governments ignore science and choose outright prohibition over evidence-based public health? In this panel discussion, international experts and harm-reduction advocates break down the global shift toward nicotine prohibition and the severe, unintended consequences of banning safer nicotine alternatives.