Pretoria – Government has called on all South Africans to drink responsibly during the festive season.
Addressing the media as chairperson of the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster, in Pretoria, on Monday, Social Development Minister Bathabile Dlamini warned about the dangers of alcohol and substance abuse.
“We remain resolute as government to minimize the advertising of alcohol. The hazardous and harmful effect of this is a contributing factor to premature death, disease and injury.
“The costly consequences thereof in terms of car road fatalities, violence, babies born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) as a result of drinking during pregnancy are an unnecessary burden,” the Minister said.
Minister Dlamini said young people between the ages of 20 and 34 constitute the majority of people who die on roads.
“Skilled and economically active people die or are injured in road crashes. We have to lead healthy lifestyles to prevent or delay onset of non-communicable diseases and continue to prevent and treat HIV and Aids,” she said.
Minister Dlamini said work is underway by the Department of Trade and Industry to obtain inputs from members of the public to increase the drinking age limit to 21 years.
“Let’s all commit to reduce road fatalities and abuse of alcohol and drugs. Road safety is a responsibility of every South African,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
