Durban - With a staggering number of teenagers consuming alcohol in South Africa, government has partnered with the private sector to tackle the problem of underage drinking.
On Tuesday, at Stanmore Secondary, north of Durban, the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), KZN Provincial Education Department, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and South African Breweries (SAB) joined forces to launch the "You Decide" programme.
The multi-faceted intervention is influenced by clinical and psychological thinking to address the serious issue. The initial phase of the programme will run in 360 schools across KwaZulu-Natal, the North West, Free State and Mpumalanga.
The programme will have a series of activities that will demonstrate to teens that the choices they make now can impact on their future prospects positively or negatively.
There will be school visits, interactive road shows on underage drinking and inter-school competitions. A practical guide for parents and resources for teens will also be made available.
Education MEC Senzo Mchunu is excited about the initiative because it fits with his department's "It's my Future Campaign".
"There is overwhelming evidence of a link between alcohol abuse and teenage pregnancy as well as the scourge of HIV among young people, particularly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.
"We certainly believe that this partnership will go a long way in combating lawlessness in our schools and help us to hone young minds to become productive citizens of this country," said Mchunu.
According to SAB Director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation, Vincent Maphai, statistics indicate that one out of every two teenagers in the average South African home consumes alcohol.
"Underage drinking is one of the most serious forms of alcohol abuse and has an overwhelming negative impact on South African society as a whole. We have partnered with government on a programme that we believe will effect real change amongst South Africa's youth," said Maphai.
Thezi Mabuza, Chief Director of the National Liquor Authority, believes that the underlying reasons for underage drinking are diverse and associated with social assertion (the need to fit in) and despondency.
"Industry and government have partnered to embark on this campaign to ensure that South African communities are educated on the dangers of alcohol abuse and misuse, and that underage drinking is bad for their overall development," said Mabuza.
Grade 11 learner Ishmael Ali* told BuaNews that he started experimenting with alcohol because he wanted to fit in with his friends.
After experiencing several episodes of disorientation and embarrassing behaviour, Ishmael decided to give up alcohol. He also made a personal choice to follow his religion, Islam, which prohibits the consumption of alcohol.
"I want to focus on my school work and do spend time in group discussions about using alcohol and drugs and why it's not a good idea to use it," said Ishmael.
Aaban Kasuji* (16) said he started taking drugs when he was eight. He used the money given to him by his parents to purchase drugs, which were sold quite close to the school he attended.
After his unpleasant experience at a rehab facility, Aaban vowed never to touch drugs or alcohol.
