MIDVAAL. – The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in collaboration with Heineken SA hosted a community social mobilization campaign to raise awareness on the dangers and risks associated with alcohol. The event was held at Sicelo Community Hall on Friday 21 April.

The Department of Social Development is the lead department in the coordination and implementation of the 2019-2024 National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) which is aimed at achieving a drug free society for the benefit of all South Africans.

Bogopane-Zulu said: “The campaign seeks to raise awareness and educate community members on the dangers of alcohol in and around the Heineken Sedibeng Brewery, where Pillies Farm, Boitumelo and Khayelitsha residents are located, and employees of the giant brewery reside. It is also aimed at engaging residents about alcohol as a social and structural driver of HIV/Aids chronic disease, Gender Based Violence and Femicide pandemic and other social ills such as teenage pregnancy.”

Community members were on the day given access to various government services and assisted to access interventions on matters affecting their daily lives.
The campaign is part of Freedom Month which is commemorated under the theme, “Consolidating and Safeguarding Democratic Gains.”

Midvaal Local Municipality Mayor Peter Teixeira said: “Midvaal Local Municipality is proud to collaborate with the Department of Social Development, Heineken, and other stakeholders to bring social services to our communities.”

Teixeira said the collaborative effort will benefit residents and raise awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse.