As we prepare for a well-deserved festive season break, the Provincial Government of the Northern Cape calls upon all South Africans to refrain from alcohol and drug abuse during holiday festivities. Government departments
and other public institutions are urged to take the lead in this regard by not serving alcohol at their year-end functions. Private sector companies are also encouraged to promote responsible citizenship by not serving alcohol at their year-end gatherings.
Despite government’s and civil society groups’ best efforts to prevent the unnecessary loss of life and other atrocities related to alcohol and drug abuse, countless South Africans still suffer the consequences of irresponsible behaviour during this time of the year.
Many lives are lost in road accidents caused by drinking and driving; children are left abandoned, neglected and destitute because of parents are drunk and neglect who indulge in alcohol and abdicate their parental responsibilities. As a result of the festive mood some parents get carried away and tend to neglect their responsibilities as parents. This leaves children vulnerable and exposed to some form of abuse. Abuse may be physical, sexual, emotional or neglect.
Violent crimes such as assault, murder and rape increase in our communities as a direct result of alcohol and drug abuse; young people get involved in irresponsible sexual behaviour and end up pregnant and contracting diseases because of alcohol and drug abuse; and many families are left without money for food, school necessities and other essentials in the new year because of reckless spending on alcohol during the festive season.
We make a special appeal on behalf of the children of our country that parents should not abuse alcohol and drugs in order to take care and protect look after them during the festive season especially when visiting crowded public places like beaches in order to avoid children getting lost or drowning in water. We also make an appeal for the safety of unborn children. We urge pregnant women to refrain from using any form of drug including alcohol and tobacco. The use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco can lead to serious brain damage to unborn children.
To the parents of our nation’s future, our children, we plead and urge you to always make sure that you know the whereabouts of your children , with whom they are and ensure that you remain sober in order to protect and care for your children when your children are in your care
To the future of our nation , the children please adhere to the following
• Never walk in dark and deserted places
• Avoid talking to strangers
• Do not hitch or take a lift from strangers
• Do not experiment with drugs, glue or alcohol any intoxicating substances
• Abstain from sexual activities.
• Tell a trusted person if someone threatens, scare or hurts you or call
Childline 08600 55 555
Substance Abuse Helpline: 0800 13 14 15
Crime: 08600 10111
You are also requested to report any cases of abuse to towards you by either telling a person you trust or report it to one of the following numbers.
We urge South Africans to remember that life continues after the festive season and not to make bad choices during this brief period that will have permanent consequences they will regret for the rest of their lives.
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ISSUED BY
Conrad Fortune
Manager: Communications
Department of Social Development
Northern Cape
Tel: 053 831 4041
Cell: 079 873 0679
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
