AWARE.org celebrates a year of impact and reveals vision for safer communities in 2026
AWARE.org marks a successful year in reducing alcohol-related harm in South Africa, unveiling bold initiatives and strategic partnerships to further impact communities, reduce underage drinking, prevent road fatalities, and promote sober pregnancies.
Government officials, law enforcement leaders, industry executives, and community champions gathered at Artistry in Sandton to celebrate an inspiring milestone: the transformative impact of collaboration in South Africa’s fight against alcohol-related harm.
AWARE.org’s impact celebration and 2026 strategy preview event held on November 13 marked not just a year of measurable progress but also the unveiling of an ambitious blueprint to accelerate harm-reduction initiatives nationwide.
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AWARE.org CEO Mokebe Thulo said, “We’ve proven that when we unite with purpose, we create lasting change. This year, our collective effort has made significant strides in reducing alcohol-related harm, thanks to our partnerships with key government entities such as the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Gauteng Department of Transport, Gauteng Liquor Board, and the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development.”
Thulo said their programmes reached over 112 000 learners and 14 500 parents in underage drinking interventions, supported 3 456 roadblocks, leading to 6 145 DUI arrests, and engaged more than 3 400 women through its Sober Pregnancies initiatives, making real progress in communities across the country.
The event was a powerful recognition of the organisations and individuals who have contributed to reducing alcohol-related harm.
From community-based organisations advocating for responsible drinking to law enforcement officers pioneering interventions, the celebration highlighted the extensive collaboration required to create lasting social change.
Reflecting on the year’s impact, Thulo added, “Our work isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about the lives we touch. Our initiatives have garnered national and international recognition, from the Merit Award at the MARK Awards to nominations at the Next Gen Awards and honours at the Shorty, Loerie, and Anthem Awards. But above all, our work is validated by the real lives we impact.”
The evening’s keynote address, delivered by Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, praised AWARE.org’s holistic approach to alcohol harm reduction.
She stressed the importance of continued collaboration, saying, “True impact happens when communities, businesses, and government work together. Our collective effort, whether in classrooms, media, or road safety checkpoints, has one goal: ensuring safety and dignity for all.”
One of the night’s emotional highlights came from Boitumelo Mahlangu, a youth sports coach who has partnered with AWARE.org through Altus Sport.
She shared a powerful story about a young boy known as Bikiri, who once saw underage drinking as cool but has now become an advocate for responsible drinking, aspiring to be a doctor.
“Being AWARE is not just about wearing a T-shirt. It’s about the action we take, the impact we have on young people,” Mahlangu said, reflecting on her role in shaping the future of youth in her community.
The event also served as a preview of AWARE.org’s strategic direction for 2026, with Jordi Borrut-Bel, chairperson, outlining key objectives to scale their successful initiatives.
“When people and institutions work together, behaviour changes, communities improve, and lives get better. Because of the progress we’ve seen, we are working on scaling our projects, initiatives and partnerships bigger in 2026,” he said. “Tonight, we celebrate more than just numbers; we celebrate the people and the progress we’ve made together.”
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AWARE.org Implementation Partner Recognition Awards 2025
The celebration featured the Aware.org Implementation Partner Recognition Awards 2025, recognising partners who exemplified excellence across the three core focus areas:
1. #NoToU18 Pillar (Underage Drinking Prevention)
- Community Impact Award: SANCA Central – Ke Moja
- Innovation in Prevention Award: United Through Sports (UTS) and Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB)
2. Don’t Drink and Drive Pillar (Road Safety)
- Safe Roads Advocate Award: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Police Department (NMBMPD) and Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD)
- Behaviour Change Leadership Award: Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
- Long-standing Law Enforcement Partner Award: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)
3. Sober Pregnancies Pillar (FASD Prevention)
- Community Care Award: School of Hard Knocks (SoHK) – NxtGenWomen for Mothers Programme
- Collaborative Action Award: Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR)
“These awards honour those who have exemplified excellence in driving meaningful change,” Thulo concluded.
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