The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti’s) National Liquor Authority (NLA) kick-started its youth month campaign today in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria where the youth were educated about the adverse effects of alcohol and drug abuse. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness about the high-risk behavioural activities related to alcohol and drug abuse.
Young people from Mamelodi and its surroundings came out in their numbers to learn about the opportunities available to them so they can turn their lives around in a positive manner.
Those who attended the session where educated about how they can take charge of their lives to ensure that they have a better future. The youth were given an opportunity to interact with officials from the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug dependence (SANCA) and Gauteng Liquor Board who emphasised the dangers and negative results of alcohol and drug abuse.
The youth were also empowered to utilise their skills so that they can participate in the economy by creating their own employment. Alternatives such as formation of cooperatives, formalisation and registration of businesses where presented to the young people by the Companies Intellectual Properties Commission (CIPC).
Information was also shared about the different programmes and funding available from government to young people who come forward and are willing to grab the opportunities available to them.
The Liquor Act of 2003, which is administered by the dti’s NLA, requires the department to reduce the socio-economic costs of liquor abuse in the country. The Act also requires that the NLA to promote the development of a responsible and sustainable liquor industry in a manner that inculcates the ethos of social responsibility among other things.
The campaign therefore aims to encourage young people to change their behaviour and positively utilise their time and energy to grapple with the challenges that they face such as unemployment and HIV and AIDS among others.
This national campaign will be rolled out to different provinces and will culminate in a national event which will take place in Limpopo, Tzaneen where the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe will also participate.
Tomorrow the campaign will take place at Magoba Sebothoma Community Hall, in Temba, Hammanskraal.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 492 1774
Tel: 012 394 1650
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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