Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities Steve Letsike has condemned what she called an “uncharacteristic behaviour from the adult male artists who are committed to exploiting vulnerable young girls.”
This is after a video circulating on social media showing young girls in Limpopo indulging in illegal alcohol consumption in the presence of local well-known male artist “Tsaka RSA”.
In a statement, the Deputy Minister expressed concern and called for accountability, requesting the South African Police Service (SAPS) to question the artist and investigate the case of underage drinking.
“Underage drinking not only breaks the law.
But it also poses serious risks to the health, safety, and future of our youth,” said Letsike.
She highlighted that Limpopo province is largely rural, and alcohol in its all types, including traditionally brewed alcohol is used mostly in traditional and cultural practices and rituals.
Letsike said this sometimes exposes adolescents to alcohol use at a young age.
In addition, she emphasised that early initiation to alcohol use among adolescents is a cause for concern.
“Often co-existing with this alcohol use is teenagers engaging in risky sexual behaviours whilst intoxicated.
Alcohol use during adolescence has been linked to impaired brain development, poor academic performance, risky behaviour, accidents, and long-term dependency.
It also places young people at greater risk of violence, gender-based violence, and road fatalities,” added the deputy minister.
Letsike further emphasised that parents, legal guardians, schools, communities, and the alcohol industry have a critical role to play in addressing this challenge, adding that all sectors of society have a role to play in preventing underage drinking amongst adolescents.
“We need to have parental guidance and supervision to set clear rules and model responsible behaviour, stricter enforcement of alcohol laws, particularly around sales to minors.
Thirdly, we must not tire from raising awareness and coming up with education programmes in schools and communities to highlight the dangers of alcohol misuse.
Finally, there must be youth-focused alternatives and opportunities that promote positive lifestyles and healthy choices,” advised the deputy minister.
Letsike said the prevalence of alcohol consumption among teenagers or high school learners in rural provinces, such as Limpopo, is a cause for concern.
“Although the legal drinking age of alcohol in South Africa is 18 years, statistics show an alarming increase in alcohol use, with binge drinking being more prevalent among youth younger than 18 years,” reiterated the deputy minister.
Letsike also highlighted the World Health Organisation’s records that South Africans consume about 10 litres of pure alcohol in a year, which is much higher than the worldwide consumption.
