South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (Sanca) Central Rand Alcohol and Drug Centre hosted an in-field visit and youth awareness event at its Golden Harvest Rehabilitation Centre in Randburg on June 26, coinciding with the United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The event, organised in partnership with the Association for Alcohol Responsibility and Education (Aware.org), brought together primary and high school learners from across Johannesburg under the theme #NoToUnderageDrinking.

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Aware.org board member Andrew Ross used his keynote address to challenge young people to arm themselves with knowledge. “Equip yourself with knowledge so that you can impart that knowledge to your peers, so that they also understand that there is no reason why you should consume alcohol if you are under 18.”

The programme was structured in two parts. The first saw primary school learners presenting poster and art entries, with participating offices including Rosettenville, Diepsloot, Eldorado Park, Westbury, Alexandra, and the mobile office, alongside Golden Harvest itself. High school learners took centre stage in the second part, delivering oral presentations on the dangers of underage drinking. Topics ranged from the physical and neurological effects of alcohol on young people, to its impact on emotional well-being, academic performance, and the risk of addiction.

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The Golden Harvest Centre closed the presentations with a session on rehabilitation, alcohol, and the law.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Sihle Daniso, of Aware.org, who addressed the learners with a deeply personal message. “You guys have given me purpose in my life, and shown me that there is help, and there are people that can hold your hand through the struggle and through the pain.”

Speaking directly to the young people in attendance, Daniso urged them not to be swayed by outside pressures. “The outside world is waiting for you. The outside world is going to be there. It’s not running away. It’s only a matter of saying no, and taking charge of your life.”

A foetal alcohol spectrum disorder presentation, by the KeMoja Team, was also delivered during the midday break, before an awards ceremony and prize-giving, conducted jointly by Sanca and the independent electoral commission.

Closing remarks were delivered by an Aware.org representative, with guests departing after lunch.

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