Alcohol harms are everywhere, but they are not always visible. Every day, South African communities bear the brunt of alcohol-related violence, road crashes, gender-based violence, and deepening health inequities. Yet, these harms are often underreported or decontextualised in mainstream media coverage, particularly in political reporting and urban news cycles.
We believe that journalism has the power to reframe the narrative—to humanise the issue, hold power to account, and help catalyse public policy solutions. However, journalists also face systemic challenges, including commercial constraints and sensationalist pressures, as well as limited access to credible data, diverse lived experiences, and expert voices.
This gathering, hosted by SAAPA, is an opportunity for journalists, NGO leaders, and alcohol policy researchers to come together in a relaxed, off-the-record setting to explore how we can work together to improve the quality, frequency, and framing of alcohol-related reporting.
Why attend?
· Participate in a frank conversation with civil society, community leaders (Cape Metro & Southern Cape), and South African experts on alcohol harm.
· Hear stories from community activists on alcohol related harm, and discuss the systemic barriers to sustained reporting on alcohol harm, particularly in parliamentary, political, and local coverage.
· Explore new story ideas, data sources, and partnerships that can help amplify the social justice dimension of alcohol policy.
· Learn more about SAAPA’s latest research and findings from our NEDLAC study on how Big Alcohol has allegedly captured NEDLAC.
· To remember what happened to the Enyobeni 21 in East London and many others within the Cape Metro areas.
This is more than a media briefing. It’s a chance to shift the lens—from episodic reporting to structural insight, from isolated incidents to public accountability.
We hope you’ll join us in building a new conversation.
RSVP: makhosazana@saapa.africa
Enquiries: Julian A. Jacobs, 061 917 9661
Together, we can centre communities, elevate public health, and promote the journalism our democracy needs.