Government will move to strengthen regulatory controls on alcohol in a bid to reduce road accidents, crime and other social challenges, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Cape Town.

Statistics from the Department of Transport show that while road crashes and fatalities dropped by five per cent over the festive season, 8 561 drivers tested positive for alcohol — a 144 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

“Alcohol abuse leads to violence, road accidents and crime. To address this scourge, we call on provincial governments to strengthen regulation by limiting the density of liquor outlets, restricting trading hours and ending the sale of alcohol in large containers,” the President said.

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He added that the national government is consulting on measures to curb excessive alcohol use, including minimum unit pricing, higher excise duties and tighter restrictions on alcohol advertising.

Excessive alcohol consumption was also identified as a significant contributor to child stunting.

“More than a quarter of children under five are stunted, increasing their risk of disease and affecting their ability to learn and grow. This is devastating for children, their families and society as a whole,” the President said.

This year, the government will prioritise efforts to end child stunting by 2030 and address malnutrition among young children, in line with the National Strategy to Accelerate Action for Children. Particular focus will be placed on the first 1 000 days of a child’s life.

“Building on existing support such as the Child Support Grant, we will implement targeted interventions to ensure that pregnant women and low birth-weight children receive the protein and nutrients they need. This is a massive crisis that demands attention and resources,” the President said.

The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement will provide clear allocations for these initiatives, aimed at protecting children and improving long-term social outcomes.