COMMUNITY URGED TO TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING ON WORLD NO ALCOHOL DAY

Precious Mupenzi

• The Department of Social Development commemorated World No Alcohol Day in Sweetwaters, highlighting the urgent need to prevent alcohol abuse, especially among minors.
• Deputy Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority, Ms Nomcebo Dlamini, called for stricter enforcement of laws and greater community collaboration to stop illegal alcohol sales to minors.
• The event concluded with a community pledge to increase awareness and implement educational programmes to protect young people from the dangers of alcohol abuse.

On 26 June 2022, the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London, became the site of a devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 young people, aged between 13 and 17. What was meant to be a gathering to commemorate Youth Month—a time to celebrate the spirit and potential of South Africa’s youth—turned into a national tragedy, raising urgent questions about safety, accountability, and the well-being of young people in social spaces.

In the aftermath of this disaster, renewed discussions have emerged regarding the safety regulations governing venues that cater to young people. Communities have echoed calls for stricter enforcement of age restrictions and improved emergency preparedness at public venues. Parents and activists alike are demanding accountability from local authorities and venue operators to ensure such a tragedy never happens again.

“This incident must never be repeated. It is our duty to stand firm and ensure that no minor has access to alcohol,” declared Ms. Nomcebo Dlamini, Deputy Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority, speaking at the World No Alcohol Day commemoration in Sweetwaters, Pietermaritzburg, on 3 October 2024. The event, hosted by the Department of Social Development, was held under the theme, “Say No to Alcohol and Selling Alcohol to Minors is a Crime.”

Dlamini emphasised the urgent need to protect young people from the dangers of alcohol abuse, referencing the Enyobeni incident as a powerful reminder of the consequences of underage drinking. She called on the community to take a stand, asserting, “This occasion is not just a commemoration but a call to action.”

She further highlighted that selling alcohol to minors is not only a crime but also a failure of the community’s duty to safeguard its youth. Dlamini urged for stronger collaboration between government, civil society, and community members to ensure that laws against the sale of alcohol to minors are strictly enforced.

“We need stricter enforcement, stronger partnerships with local law enforcement, and community-driven programmes that raise awareness about the risks associated with underage drinking,” she said.

Dlamini also emphasised the importance of active Local Drug Action Committees (LDACs) in every community, noting, “These committees must not only exist in name but be recognised and active, ensuring the provincial drug master plan is implemented at the local level.”

The event concluded with community members pledging to raise awareness and develop educational programmes to combat alcohol abuse among young people.