Members of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA SA), alongside several anti-alcohol advocacy groups, are set to march to Parliament on Wednesday to highlight the social and health harms linked to alcohol abuse.
Organisers say the demonstration aims to draw attention to the devastating effects of alcohol consumption in vulnerable communities, particularly on children and young people.
The groups argue that excessive drinking is a key contributor to violent crime, including high murder rates in areas such as the Cape Flats, and are calling for stricter regulations to limit alcohol availability.
Campaign manager Nomcebo Dlamini said the affordability of alcohol remains a major concern, making it easily accessible even in low-income communities.
She noted that the march supports the National Treasury’s proposed increase in excise taxes on alcohol, describing it as an evidence-based intervention to curb harmful drinking, particularly among youth.
According to Dlamini, in some areas beer costs less than basic food items, lowering barriers to access and worsening social challenges.
She added that marchers will urge lawmakers to consider tougher policy measures, including higher excise duties and pending legislation such as the Liquor Amendment Bill, aimed at strengthening controls on alcohol sales and marketing.
Organisers say the message to Parliament is straightforward: protecting communities should take priority over cheap drinks because prevention, they argue, is far less costly than the damage left behind.