Pretoria: As festive season celebrations get underway, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has called on young people to avoid alcohol and substance abuse. The department warns that while this period is often one of “celebration, rest and social connection,” it also gives rise to troubling and dangerous behaviours that can turn joy into tragedy.
According to South African Government News Agency, the department highlighted that this time of year consistently records increased levels of alcohol and substance abuse, contributing to road accidents, crime, family conflict, unsafe sexual behaviour, and heightened incidents of gender-based violence and femicide. These outcomes contradict the government’s commitment to protecting young people and building safe, cohesive communities, the department stated.
In a statement on Monday, the department mentioned that the objectives of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) and the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide
(NSP on GBVF) aim to protect citizens against these issues. The NDMP addresses substance abuse as a significant social and public health challenge that disproportionately affects young people, undermining social stability, economic participation, and community safety.
Similarly, the NSP on GBVF identifies alcohol and substance abuse as key drivers of violence, particularly against women, children, and persons with disabilities. The department noted 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 like the festive season.
The DWYPD called on young people to make responsible choices, reject harmful behaviours, and actively contribute to the prevention of violence and substance abuse. Young men are particularly encouraged to embrace positive masculinity, respect, non-violence, and to stand as allies in the fight against GBVF.
Parents, guardians, and the community are also urged to intens
ify 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.
The department reiterated that responsible behaviour by young people is central to achieving the goals of a safer South Africa, free from violence, substance abuse, and preventable loss of life. As the country enters the festive season, the DWYPD appeals to all South Africans to work together to ensure that this period is marked by safety, dignity, respect for human life, and shared responsibility.
