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The ANC Youth League commends Department of Social Development and Minister Bathabile Dlamini for intensifying the campaign against the abuse of drugs, substances and alcohol. The ANC Youth League commends this move because on the 4th of November 2009, the ANC Youth League released a media statement which made the following observations in line with the ongoing campaign against the abuse of alcohol:
• Alcohol misuse is causally implicated in a range of chronic health problems (e.g. cirrhosis of the liver). However, many of the primary effects of alcohol misuse occur from episodes of acute alcohol intoxication.

• Acute alcohol intoxication is associated with increased mortality and morbidity arising from intentional and non-intentional injuries.

• Acute alcohol intoxication is also associated with unsafe sexual practices and increased risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.

• Alcohol misuse, combined with poor nutritional status, increases susceptibility to opportunistic diseases by compromising the immune system.

• The misuse of alcohol during pregnancy has been linked to fatal alcohol syndrome in infants.

• Alcohol misuse also impacts on the criminal justice system, with evidence of associations between drinking at risky levels, committing crime, or being a victim of crime.

The ANC Youth League’s Campaign against alcohol abuse identifies the following key issued to be addressed as a matter of urgency:
• Call for increased levels of law enforcement on illegal alcohol and drugs traders, including those who sell alcohol to people under the age of 18.

• Call for greater investment in sporting, arts and recreational activities and facilities in communities and set a programme to attract more young people to partake in these activities.

• Form partnerships with relevant government departments in the intensification of the campaign against alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.

• Call for establishment of youth-friendly rehabilitation centres and programmes in communities to revive youth that are addicted to drugs and alcohol.

• Campaign for a legislative intervention on the number of years young people are eligible to buy alcohol, with a focus of increasing the number of years from 18 to 21.

• Call for immediate legislation on the illegalisation of Liquor Outlets closer to schools and institutions of higher learning.

With the renewed efforts of the Department of Social Development to intensify the campaign against the abuse of alcohol, the ANC Youth League will work closely with the department and fight relentlessly to ensure that all our objectives are fulfilled. The ANC Youth League will consistently appeal to the conscious of all South Africans to understand the damage alcohol, drugs and substance abuse have in society.

The ANC Youth League will stop at nothing in ensuring that alcohol consumption in South Africa is radically reduced and all alcohol regulations and laws are properly enforced by our law enforcement agencies. We need a broader coalition of all stakeholders, including Unions, Civil Society formations, Non-governmental organisations; Community based organisations, Churches, Social Clubs and private individuals to join the campaign against alcohol, drugs and substances.