Gauteng raises alarm over rising alcohol abuse across the province
Gomba urged families and communities not to normalise harmful drinking or remain silent about addiction.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has raised concerns over rising alcohol abuse across the province.
The department is warning that excessive drinking is fuelling violence, destroying families and contributing to a growing mental health crisis.
The issue has also been highlighted by community stakeholders, including the Primrose CPF, which has called for stronger by-law enforcement and compliance.
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Department official Teddy Gomba said alcohol’s legal status and social acceptance often mask its devastating impact.
“The scale of alcohol consumption in South Africa is alarming,” said Gomba, citing National Treasury figures showing South Africans consumed an estimated 4.5 billion litres of alcohol in 2022.
“Beer accounted for 3.1 billion litres, while ready-to-drink beverages have recorded the fastest growth in recent years,” said Gomba.
He also expressed concern over the increasing availability of cheap illicit alcohol, including products commonly known as “Ngombion”, which are sold for as little as R25 and pose serious public health risks.
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Gomba said prolonged alcohol and substance abuse is increasingly linked to severe mental illnesses, including substance-induced psychosis, which can cause hallucinations, delusions and confused thinking.
In some cases, it can develop into long-term psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia, with young people particularly at risk.
To combat the problem, the Gauteng Provincial Government has implemented the Gauteng City Region Anti-Substance Abuse Strategy, focusing on harm reduction through treatment and rehabilitation, demand reduction through education and prevention, and supply reduction by targeting illicit alcohol and drug distribution.
Gomba urged families and communities not to normalise harmful drinking or remain silent about addiction.
“Alcohol may be legal, but its abuse is costing South Africa far more than many are willing to acknowledge. Government, families and communities must work together to reverse this silent epidemic,” said Gomba.
