The Department of Trade and Industry, (the dti’s) National Liquor Authority (NLA) together with Government Communications and Information System and Gauteng Liquor Board, hosted a workshop in Hammanskraal aimed at educating the youth about the effects of alcohol abuse.
The purpose of the workshop was to raise awareness about the high risk behavioural activities related to alcohol abuse and to empower the youth to develop their skills.
The Director of Education and Capacity building at the dti’s National Liquor Authority (NLA) Ms Khabonina Maxatshwa said it was vital to educate the youth about the effects of alcohol, as research has shown that liquor use among the youth is common and increases with age for both males and females.
“There is also a tendency to more harmful binge drinking and misuse of alcohol because of peer pressure and the youth’s desire to fit in. Research also indicates that liquor abuse and risky sexual behaviour is noticeably high and weighs heavily on youth activism,” said Maxatshwa.
Maxatshwa further said the youth should know that there are other alternatives besides alcohol abuse that can empower them to participate in the mainstream economy.
“NLA is encouraging business people within the liquor industry to continuously get involved in combating liquor abuse, by undertaking various awareness campaigns throughout the country and reaching a variety of targeted audiences like young people,” added Maxatshwa.
William Metileni of the dti’s National Liquor Authority addressing the youth in Hammanskraal.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
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