The aims of SAAPA are to:
Today organisations and countries across the world observe No Alcohol Day. WHO Afro region will also gather in Johannesburg to deliberate the implementation of the Global Alcohol Strategy of 2010 by countries on the continent. And across the oceans public health advocates and researchers are gathering in Melbourne to share emerging evidence on health outcomes where governments like Russia, Scotland and Thailand introduced regulatory measures.
The President’s response to the link to alcohol and GBV is a step backward for the country.
The Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) is the leading forum for the world's alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners.
When the new Constitution was drafted in post-apartheid South Africa, the notion of ‘free choice’ was integral to its framing. Not surprising, given the extent to which the apartheid government attempted to control every aspect of every South African’s life.
Alcohol the “legal” drug that costs South Africa billions
The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) applauds the WHO for its global leadership in prioritising the promotion of public health. In particular, SAAPA welcomes the WHO’s recent ground-breaking announcement that, in the process of developing its policies and implementing its programmes, it will not consult with or enter into partnerships with the alcohol industry.
SAAPA SA urges the government to immediately respond by reviewing the alcohol tax regime so as to reduce alcohol-related harm and its impact on the fiscus, as suggested by Professor Van Walbeek from UCT School of Economics.
Cape Town and Johannesburg were ranked number three and number five in a 2018 Deutsche Bank study of the 50 cities with the cheapest beer. The increase of 12 cents will probably make our cities the number 1 in the world for the cheapest beer! And the budget speech said nothing about the social and economic impact of alcohol-related harm.
The stabbing of students at what was a gathering of school learners on Friday in Claremont highlights not only the need for stricter rules governing the awarding of special events licenses but, more importantly, making sure that school organized events are alcohol-free.
Public health research suggests that concerns about alcohol advertising and accessibility warrant strong regulatory action.