ZWELETHEMBA – In response to rising concerns over under-age liquor consumption, community members in Zwelethemba held a crucial meeting with local liquor-licence holders at the Zwelethemba Police Station on 3 July. The gathering aimed to address a growing menace and find effective solutions to curb it.
According to Aware.org 50% of teenagers in South Africa drink alcohol. One of the organisation’s studies also showed that someone who starts drinking under the age of 18, which is illegal, is four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence than someone who starts consuming “booze” after the age of 20.
Local parents expressed their distress over the ease with which minors can access alcohol. “I was deeply worried when I saw 14- and 15-year-olds drunk last Saturday,” one parent, Zahmi Sikwata, said. “It’s heartbreaking to see how easily they can get hold of alcohol. We need stricter measures to protect our kids.”
Liquor-licence holders acknowledged the problem and showed a willingness to collaborate with the community and authorities. “We understand the concerns of the parents, for we are also challenged in this regard,” said a local tavern owner. “So we need to work together with parents in combating underage drinking. We are committed to ensuring that alcohol is not sold to underage individuals. We will be implementing stricter ID checks and training our staff to be more vigilant.”
Warrant Officer Vathiswa Jacobs highlighted the challenges faced in regulating alcohol sales in the area.
“We are aware of the issue and are working diligently to address it. However, we also face the problem of unlicensed shebeens operating in Zwelethemba. These places do not follow any regulations and are a significant part of the problem.”
Bridget Siyolo, a concerned mother, emphasised the need for community involvement.
“We need to work together as a community to keep our children safe. Reporting unlicensed shebeens and ensuring our kids are not exposed to such environments is crucial.”
The meeting concluded with a consensus that collective action is essential.
The police, licensed liquor vendors and parents agreed to collaborate more closely to monitor and report any illegal activities. Increased police patrols, community-awareness programmes and stricter enforcement of liquor laws were proposed as immediate measures.
“We need a united front,” said Jacobs. “By working together we can make Zwelethemba a safer place for our children.”
The community’s efforts to combat underage drinking are just beginning, but the spirit of cooperation and commitment displayed at the meeting offers hope for a safer future.
