Pretoria – Northern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Pauline Williams has called on liquor traders to be responsible by not selling alcohol to underage persons and pregnant women.
Speaking at a Roundtable Discussion on Alcohol Abuse and Gender Based Violence in Kimberley on Tuesday, she said alcohol could harm unborn babies as it causes Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.
The provincial Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison has programmes that supports the fight against substance abuse and domestic violence.
“As a department, we have enhanced our alcohol abuse programme to focus more on children and youth, and have ensured our active participation in raising awareness in communities of substance abuse and domestic violence,” MEC Williams said.
Her department has also mobilised the Community Police Forums to be more vigilant in addressing alcohol abuse through programmes and projects at local level.
“Law enforcement needs to happen without fear or favour and responsible drinking needs to be inculcated amongst those consuming alcohol or else we will find ourselves living in a lawless society.
“Substance abuse is not only a challenge in society but a threat against democracy and a better life for all,” MEC Williams said.
According to research by the provincial Department of Social Services and Population Development on substance abuse in Siyanda District, “alcohol and other drug abuse remains a leading cause of crime, poverty, reduced productivity, unemployment, dysfunctional family life, the escalation of chronic diseases such as AIDS and related health factors, injury and premature death”.
MEC Williams encouraged communities to take responsibility by fighting alcohol abuse. - SAnews.gov.za
