Alcohol the “legal” drug that costs South Africa billions The alcohol industry promotes alcohol as an essential element of a desirable lifestyle by using images of young, successful, fun-loving people surrounded by copious amounts of alcohol. None of the adverts talk about the fact that alcohol is a drug (or an addictive substance) that affects …

When the new Constitution was drafted in post-apartheid South Africa, the notion of ‘free choice’ was integral to its framing. Not surprising, given the extent to which the apartheid government attempted to control every aspect of every South African’s life. However, free market protagonists like Ron Cregan (Daily Maverick, 21 May 2019) continually subvert the …

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) applauds the WHO for its global leadership in prioritising the promotion of public health. In particular, SAAPA welcomes the WHO’s recent ground-breaking announcement that, in the process of developing its policies and implementing its programmes, it will not consult with or enter into partnerships with the alcohol industry. …

SAAPA SA urges the government to immediately respond by reviewing the alcohol tax regime so as to reduce alcohol-related harm and its impact on the fiscus, as suggested by Professor Van Walbeek from UCT School of Economics. The increase of 12 cents on beer announced by the Minister of Finance will do little to change …

The stabbing of students at what was a gathering of school learners on Friday in Claremont highlights not only the need for stricter rules governing the awarding of special events licenses but, more importantly, making sure that school organized events are alcohol-free. SAAPA SA calls on the Western Cape Education Department and the Western Cape …

Cape Town and Johannesburg were ranked number three and number five in a 2018 Deutsche Bank study of the 50 cities with the cheapest beer. The increase of 12 cents will probably make our cities the number 1 in the world for the cheapest beer! And the budget speech said nothing about the social and …

Public health research suggests that concerns about alcohol advertising and accessibility warrant strong regulatory action. Alcohol is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. It’s also a key risk factor for preventable illness and death in Africa. For example, alcohol consumption during pregnancy is associated with many adverse effects on children. These include …

South Africa is one of the hardest drinking countries in the world, but legislation to stop it been under wraps for over five years. The government is violating its constitutional obligations, as well as international law, by withholding a Bill from the public. The Control of Marketing of Alcohol Beverages Bill of 2013 has not …

Today the UN Commission on Economic, Social and Cultural rights will examine submissions by South African civil society organisations including one made by SAAPA on the right to access to information and the right to participate and be consulted on issues that affect South Africans. SAAPA has, without success, made numerous requests to government for …

CESCR – International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights64 Session (24 Sep 2018 – 12 Oct 2018) See submission here.