The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa has urged the government to implement existing policies on alcohol control following an awareness campaign in Mpumalanga.
The organisation partnered with traditional leaders to stage the Community Alcohol Conservation campaign in Nkomazi under the Mawewe Tribal Authority. It highlighted that weak enforcement of national plans contributes to ongoing alcohol-related harm.
Campaign Director Nomcebo Dlamini noted that South Africa has not put into practice the SAFER Initiative or the Global Action Plan on alcohol. She said the National Drug Master Plan includes a chapter on alcohol but requires action in communities.
Deputy Chairperson of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders Langa Mavuso called for tighter regulation of tavern and shebeen licences. He said outlets should not be located near schools or churches.
The alliance stated that alcohol abuse remains high, especially among young people, and that 100 people die daily from alcohol-related causes.
