Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe has expressed concern about the high rate of alcohol consumption in the country.
According to studies, over the past 10 years, South Africa has seen one of the highest rates of alcohol consumption globally and alcohol consumption per capita in the country has risen.
The Minister’s comments come as she would today commemorate World No Alcohol Day in Mgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal.
The department said the area was identified because it has a high rate of alcohol abuse, crime and teenage pregnancy.
The Minister warned that alcohol is the most misused legal drug in country, and that the day will focus on the negative impact it has on the fabric of communities, especially children and young people.
“Alcohol use has been recognized as a major contributor to the global burden of disease, with an even greater detrimental effect in low and middle-income countries and people living in poverty.
In total, more than 13 million disability-adjusted life years, or 7% of the total disease burden in South Africa, is attributed to alcohol,” said Tolashe.
The commemoration is part of social development month activities held under the theme: “30 years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth: “Towards Reigniting the role of the family”.
In addition, the minister said alcohol use plays a role in about half of all non-natural deaths.
“It is involved in 75% of homicide cases, 60% of automobile accidents and 24% of vehicle deaths and injuries.
It is the third-largest contributor to death and disability after unsafe sex/sexually transmitted infections and interpersonal violence, both of which are themselves influenced by alcohol consumption as alcohol affects sexual and violent behaviour,” explained the minister.
In line with the theme of the day “Say No to alcohol and selling alcohol to minors” the day aims to highlight the effects of alcohol abuse, binge drinking amongst South African youth and the negative effect of selling alcohol to children.
Tolashe appealed to the country this month to not consume alcohol nor sell it to minors.
