Cape town: The South African government is set to bolster regulatory measures on alcohol in an effort to mitigate road accidents, crime, and other societal problems. This decision was revealed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during his State of the Nation Address in Cape Town.
According to South African Government News Agency, the announcement follows a recent report from the Transport Department, which highlighted that although there was a 5% reduction in crashes and fatalities during the festive season, an alarming 8,561 drivers tested positive for alcohol consumption. This figure marks a 144% increase from the previous year.
President Ramaphosa emphasized the detrimental impact of alcohol abuse, linking it to violence, road accidents, and crime. In response, he urged provincial governments to tighten alcohol regulations by reducing the number of liquor outlets, limiting trading hours, and prohibiting the sale of alcohol in large containers. Additionally, the national government is considering measures such as minimum unit pricing, higher excise duties, and stricter controls on alcohol advertising, in consultation with various stakeholders.
The President also highlighted the broader societal consequences of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly its role in child stunting. He pointed out that more than a quarter of children under five in South Africa are stunted, which increases their susceptibility to diseases and hampers their cognitive and physical development. This issue, he noted, has far-reaching effects on families and society.
To address these challenges, the government plans to focus on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. Building on existing programs like the Child Support Grant, targeted interventions will be implemented to ensure pregnant women and low birth-weight children receive essential nutrients. President Ramaphosa stressed the urgency of this crisis, indicating that the upcoming Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement will outline specific resource allocations to tackle these issues effectively.