A COMMEMORATION OF WORLD NO ALCOHOL DAY IN SWEETWATERS

By Precious Mupenzi 

• The Department of Social Development, in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Social Development and various stakeholders, marked World No Alcohol Day with a focus on combating alcohol abuse, especially among youth.
• Key speakers, including KZN MEC Ms Mbali Shinga and Minister Sisisi Tolashe, highlighted the critical role of communities in addressing the root causes of alcohol-related social ills, such as violence, poverty, and teenage pregnancy.
• The event also provided access to government services and resources for substance abuse prevention, promoting collective action and awareness to safeguard future generations from the harmful impacts of alcohol misuse.

The streets of Sweetwaters came alive as the Department of Social Development, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development and various stakeholders, commemorated World No Alcohol Day. The theme, “Say No to alcohol and selling alcohol to minors is a crime,” struck a chord with community members, emphasising the urgent need to address alcohol misuse and its devastating impact.

The event brought together influential leaders, including KZN MEC for Social Development, Ms. Mbali Shinga, and UNODC Regional Representative in South Africa, Dr. Jane Marie Ong’olo. Joined by representatives from the Central Drug Authority, the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance, and other organisations, they tackled the ongoing crisis of alcohol abuse, particularly its effect on the youth.

In her keynote address, Minister Sisisi Tolashe highlighted troubling statistics, pointing out that South Africa has one liquor outlet for every 190 people, placing it among the highest in global alcohol consumption. She stressed the severe consequences of alcohol abuse on communities, especially young people, saying, “Alcohol abuse is a major contributor to social ills such as violence, poverty, and teenage pregnancy.”

The Minister called for collective action, urging communities to report illegal taverns and those selling alcohol to minors. “The fight against alcohol abuse cannot be left to the government alone,” she said, encouraging collaboration from faith-based organisations, non-profits, and community policing forums.

Youth engagement was a central focus of the event. The Department had recently held dialogues with young people about the dangers of alcohol, aiming to prevent future tragedies. The message was clear: protecting future generations demands proactive efforts today.

The commemoration also served as a hub for government services, with resources provided by SASSA, the Department of Health, and the Department of Home Affairs. This “one-stop centre” model gave attendees access to information and support on substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Minister Tolashe also underscored ongoing initiatives, such as campaigns on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and stressed the importance of evidence-based strategies to combat alcohol-related harm. She reassured the public that every province, including KwaZulu-Natal, has public treatment facilities, ensuring accessible support for those battling alcohol use disorders.

The Minister’s final message was clear: “Together, we can build a caring society where alcohol does not dictate our future.”

This commemoration was not only a platform to raise awareness but also a powerful call to action—inviting all South Africans to join the fight against alcohol abuse and protect the rights and well-being of future generations.