Pretoria – Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini, in her message ahead of the Easter holiday, says it is possible to have fun without alcohol.
Dlamini said the period usually sees many festivities, but it was up to individuals to unsure that they did not result in unfortunate incidents such as road accidents and domestic violence.
Warning that the law enforcement agencies will be out in full force, she said police will pay attention to all offences, including drinking and walking.
“We remind all South Africans that it is possible to have fun without alcohol. Let us use this weekend to rest and spend time with our families, rather than engage in excessive drinking that may result in unforeseen circumstances,” said Dlamini.
The department recently announced that it was considering a new legislation to ban alcohol brands from advertising, place a moratorium on new liquor licenses and make any drinking before driving illegal.
Dlamini said she was concerned that young people were mostly the ones with greater exposure to alcohol, often leaving them vulnerable to its abuse, thus having a negative impact in their lives.
“We urge families to take a central role in providing positive guidance to children and the youth by exercising parental control in a quest to help the youth not to fall victim of the negative effects of alcohol abuse, including crime and HIV infections,” said Dlamini. –BuaNews
