SAFEGUARDING YOUTH: DSD WARNS AGAINST UNDERAGE DRINKING THIS FESTIVE SEASON

By Tholakele Makena.

• Department of Social Development issues a strong warning about the heightened risk of underage drinking and drug use during festive celebrations, urging parents and communities to intensify supervision and vigilance.
• The Enyobeni Tavern tragedy is invoked as a sobering reminder of the deadly consequences of exposing young people to alcohol and unsafe environments.
• Through programmes like Ke Moja and the Festive Season Awareness Campaign, DSD is ramping up community education, regulatory enforcement and early-intervention measures to protect children and youth.

As the country moves into the festive season, with schools nearing closure, families preparing for year-end gatherings, and thousands of matriculants completing their final examinations, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is issuing a strong reminder about the dangers of underage drinking and substance abuse. This period is often marked by heightened social activities such as pens down celebrations, parties, music festivals, beach outings, community events and increased nightlife. While these occasions are seen as a rite of passage for young people, particularly those finishing matric, they also present elevated risks when alcohol and other substances are involved.

This period of end-of-exam celebrations and holiday festivities among young people unfolds within a national context still affected by the loss of 21 young lives in the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy in East London. Most of the victims were minors, the youngest only 13 who died during what was meant to be a night of celebration. Three years on, families continue to seek closure, as many questions about the circumstances of that tragic night in June 2022 remain unresolved.

Against this backdrop, the Department of Social Development led by Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe is urging young people to refrain from alcohol and drug use during exam celebrations and festive gatherings. The department further calls on parents, caregivers and communities not to normalise the consumption of alcohol or any substances particularly for children and young people, “in the name of celebration,”

Speaking on behalf of DSD, Mr Mogotsi Kalaeamodimo, Director for Social Crime Prevention and Anti-Substance Abuse, said the department is working tirelessly to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies.

“At this time of the year, we often notice that school-going children, after completing their examinations, start engaging in alcohol consumption and even experimenting with drugs,” said Mr Kalaeamodimo.

“Parents should always be aware of where their children are and who they are spending time with. This is a period when families and friends visit one another, and without proper supervision, things can easily get out of control.”

Mr Kalaeamodimo highlighted several ongoing DSD initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of substance abuse among young people.

“One of our flagship programmes is Ke Moja, implemented in schools across the country. The programme educates learners about the dangers of alcohol and drug use and encourages them to live a substance-free lifestyle,” he explained.

As part of its broader response, DSD has intensified its Festive Season Awareness Campaign, which focuses on educating parents and communities of the risks associated with alcohol and drug abuse. The campaign also equips families with information on recognising early signs of substance use among children and youth.

“We are currently engaging with liquor outlet owners, including tavern operators, to ensure they comply with liquor regulations and do not sell alcohol to minors,” said Mr Kalaeamodimo.

“We also run programmes targeting first-year students at institutions of higher learning to help them cope with the pressures of university life without resorting to alcohol or drugs. Many students, overwhelmed by academic and social pressures, turn to substances, which can derail their studies and overall wellbeing.”

The Department of Social Development emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between government, communities, and families to protect children and young people from the dangers of substance abuse.

The Enyobeni tragedy remains a painful reminder of the devastating consequences that arise when young people are exposed to alcohol and unsafe environments. Preventing another such tragedy requires collective vigilance and early intervention from all sectors of society.

Members of the public needing assistance with substance abuse or wishing to report underage drinking can contact the DSD Substance Abuse Helpline at 0800 12 13 14, or send a WhatsApp message to 087 163 2025. The helpline operates 24 hours a day and offers free, confidential support and counselling.