Celebrate responsibly: Government calls on youth to avoid substance abuse this festive season
The Government has urged young people to celebrate the festive season responsibly, avoid alcohol and substance abuse, and promote safety, respect, and positive choices in line with the NDMP and GBVF plan.
Image: Pexels
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has urged young people across South Africa to celebrate the festive season responsibly and to refrain from alcohol and substance abuse.
The call comes as the department highlights the link between substance abuse and increased incidents of violence, unsafe behaviour, and community harm, in line with the objectives of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP on GBVF).
Cassius Selala, spokesperson for DWYPD, said: “The festive season is a time of celebration, rest and social connection. However, it is also a period that consistently records increased levels of alcohol and substance abuse, which contribute to road accidents, crime, family conflict, unsafe sexual behaviour, and heightened incidents of gender-based violence and femicide.
''These outcomes stand in direct contradiction to the government’s commitment to protecting young people and building safe, cohesive communities.”
He highlighted that the National Drug Master Plan recognises substance abuse as a major social and public health challenge that disproportionately affects young people and undermines social stability, economic participation and community safety.
“Alcohol and drug abuse fuel risky behaviour, violence and long-term dependency, placing an enormous burden on families, communities and the state,'' Selala said.
Selala also noted that the National Strategic Plan on GBVF identifies alcohol and substance abuse as key drivers of violence, particularly violence against women, children and persons with disabilities.
''Evidence continues to show a strong correlation between substance abuse and incidents of domestic violence, sexual offences and other forms of gender-based harm, especially during high-risk periods such as the festive season.”
He called on young people to make responsible choices, reject harmful behaviours, and actively contribute to the prevention of violence and substance abuse.
Selala encouraged young men, in particular, to “embrace positive masculinity, respect and non-violence, and to stand as allies in the fight against GBVF.”
He said the ministry further urged parents, caregivers, community leaders, faith-based organisations, schools, and civil society to intensify prevention efforts, provide guidance and support to young people, and promote alcohol- and drug-free recreational activities.
“Preventing substance abuse and GBVF requires a whole-of-society approach, as envisioned in both the NDMP and the NSP on GBVF.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News