MBOMBELA – In an attempt to promote responsible drinking, Red Cross and its
programme Safe Road 4 Youth in Mbombela have been spreading messages of
responsible drinking across taverns in the municipality.
The Safe Roads 4 Youth project develops, tests and evaluates a flexible framework to address drinking and driving, as well as drinking and walking preventative measures in emerging countries, taking into account cultural diversity.
Mr Njabulo Mnguni, project coordinator in Mbombela, said the main focus was to urge motorists to avoid driving when they are over the legal limit. “We are trying to encourage people to know when they have had enough alcohol and go home, because drinking must not affect one’s responsibilities,” he said.
“There is nothing wrong with drinking, but it is wrong when one forgets one’s identity,” he continued.
He also showed them ways of testing one’s alcohol level using breathalysers.
“Pedestrians too must know when to leave so as to avoid careless accidents and fights,” he said.
When he asked the people at the tavern when they thought they had enough. “I leave the tavern when I have drunk all my money out and have nothing left to buy more beer,” someone said.
Others said they had enough when they start vomiting and others when they stumbled when walking.
Mr Thobani Khoza said individual choices determined when one should
leave a drinking place.
“I am a responsible drinker and know when to leave. People should think of their priorities when drinking. We must drink to enjoy ourselves and know when its time to leave to avoid problems like fighting and injuries,” he said.
Khoza also appreciated the organisation’s visit to taverns to remind people about their responsibilities.
The organisation visited Mthunzi’s tavern at Tekwane South, ka Gezani, Mountain View, Sport 5, Sakhile and others where they were also joined by other NGOs including the Treatment Action Campaign and LoveLife.
“We target two taverns a month and provide them with free lunch while educating the patrons,” he said.
