Outrage over child drinking videos prompts calls for nightlife regulation

South Africa's urgent issue of excessive alcohol consumption has resurfaced following a disturbing viral video that has shocked the nation.

The footage depicts adults encouraging children, some as young as 10, to drink alcohol during festive celebrations, raising concerns over child welfare and the growing trend of underage drinking.

This troubling incident coincides with recent violent events in Gauteng, where two separate shootings in Atteridgeville and Bekkersdal have claimed the lives of over 22 individuals, leaving scores injured.

The violence has intensified calls for stricter regulations on nightlife establishments, which are often associated with alcohol-infused festivities.

On Tuesday, Joburg MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, issued a strict directive to all non-compliant taverns, nightclubs, and similar establishments, stating that they must remain closed on New Year’s Eve 2025.

This directive is aimed at mitigating risks and maintaining public order during one of the city’s busiest nights of the year.

"Maboneng Precinct clubs closed at the stipulated time, no illegal parking observed, crowd control effectively managed, and JMPD recorded fewer incidents. The road to 2026 is shaping up to be a safer one," he said.

Furthermore, Tshwaku indicated that the City of Johannesburg, led by EMS with JMPD and partner departments, conducted a joint operation targeting non-compliant businesses, including gas, food, and fireworks outlets.

Several businesses were shut down, gas cylinders confiscated, and live chickens removed by the SPCA.

In the Eastern Cape, following the emergence of the viral video on social media, the South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed in a statement that the police are tracing the parents and guardians of children filmed consuming alcohol.

The clip, which first made waves on social media, apparently captures Christmas celebrations where minors, some under the age of 10, were seen drinking alcohol in the presence of an adult woman.

The incident has also been condemned by the Minister in the Presidency for Women, Children, and People Living with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, who said the issue of teenage pregnancy and alcohol abuse has become a global problem.

"It is true that teenage pregnancy has become a global problem. In the most developed societies, you still encounter this problem. Poverty also plays a big role. However, the issue becomes even more critical when an underage child is pregnant.

"We had 2,308 children who were born below the age of 14 and 10 years old... You see it on social media, a mother giving alcohol to a child, claiming that this is their child. This is where we must strengthen our laws to ensure that we get them arrested," Chikunga said.

Consumer insights and data science firm Eighty20 Consulting says South Africa’s spending on alcohol nearly tripled in the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Eighty20 Director Andrew Fulton notes that younger people are drinking more, with about 80% of urban men and 70% of urban women having consumed alcohol in the past month. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the world average consumption of alcohol is about 5.5 litres per person per year, with South Africa above the global mean at 7.8 litres, but below some European countries like Romania (17.1 litres) or Czechia (13.7 litres).

Fulton revealed that when it comes to the festive celebrations, Eighty20 used the GWI data, courtesy of You Know Technologies, which finds that for internet-enabled South Africans, wine is the top festive season choice, followed by cider and then spirits.

According to Fulton and his team, South Africa spent R414 million daily on alcohol since December 1, with more money expected to be spent as the year winds down.

"Our index points out to the younger generation, with Generation X and Generation Y becoming much more likely to drink, with 50% more likely to drink than 80% of the baby boomers. This could be an economic issue because they have more money, and they go out more often," he said.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za