The government and society must come together in rooting out socialisation of alcohol especially among the youth, argues the reader.
Image: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Newspapers
A recent incident at a wedding of a family friend prompted me to reflect on the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Liquor Amendment Bill South Africa, which seeks to amend the Liquor Act of 2003 by introducing a complete ban on alcohol advertising in South Africa.
As someone who does not consume alcohol, I seldom notice whether events I attend serve liquor. However, my attention was drawn to the issue when three young attendees caused a scene upon discovering that the wedding was alcohol-free. The couple, both committed teetotallers guided by their faith, had explicitly prohibited alcohol at their celebration.
While their stance may seem strict to some, it reflects a conscious response to how deeply alcohol has become embedded in our social fabric, particularly among the youth. The reaction of these young people revealed how normalised, and even expected, alcohol consumption has become at social gatherings.
In many communities, especially within black society, there is an uncomfortable reluctance to confront the growing problem of alcohol abuse. Few seek professional help, even as families are torn apart, businesses collapse, and livelihoods are lost. During my time as a counsellor, I encountered numerous young people affected by broken homes, where alcohol abuse was often a central factor.
More troubling is the perception of alcohol as a status symbol. Expensive brands are glorified in townships where some households struggle to meet basic needs. This contradiction speaks to a deeper societal imbalance.
We must ask ourselves: what remains of our social connections when alcohol is removed? Too often, it exposes how shallow these bonds can be, from friendships to small circles of society organisations.
Government and society must work together to revive meaningful recreational alternatives and confront this crisis head-on. When we were growing up sport facilities helped a great deal in getting us off the streets and away from the allure of destructive behaviour.
The EFF’s proposal deserves serious consideration. Just as tobacco advertising was banned, so too should government act decisively against the unchecked promotion of alcohol, a substance that continues to erode families, futures and communities. | ZAMANTUNGWA KHUMALO KwaDukuza