An estimated 3 million deaths occur every year as a result of alcohol abuse, according to the World Health Organisation.

The Northern Cape is a vast province with few activities for the youth to participate in on weekends or in their free time.

“Like most, I was introduced to alcohol as a teenager. It started out as pure curiosity and interest as to what it’s like to consume it,” said Kimberley resident Bowman Wessels.

Many young people grow up with alcohol, seeing their parents consume it and how it influences their behaviour. Their behaviour when under the influence may not be harmful, but children mimic it growing up.

“Parents need to be conscious of their behaviour around the kids and the way they socialise their kids,” said Aurora Alcohol and Drug Centre social worker Rethabile Lenkoe.

Many small towns and villages are scattered across the Northern Cape, and even the bigger centres such as Upington and Kimberley offer limited recreation opportunities compared to larger towns and cities in other provinces.

“These places offer little to no activities for children outside of school. Looking at Kimberley, a lot of Kimberley’s major attractions for the youth have vanished or are in the process of vanishing,” said Wessels about the leisure/recreational activities and facilities in his hometown.

Lenkoe also mentioned that “smaller cities may not have recreational facilities thus making alcohol their way of keeping themselves busy.”

Wessels, who has frequently succumbed to the pressures of alcohol abuse, mentioned “the dream solution would be that government officials and community leaders invest in our youth and provide services and activities for the youth to spend their time and money.

“But that seems unrealistic, so the only other solution I think that would genuinely work is parents need to educate their kids on how to consume alcohol properly and how to look after themselves.”

The youth today are getting into alcohol more than previous generations, mainly due to the easy access to it. “When you look at the law – firstly, there are laws that are not being imposed or enforced, for example, we know that underage drinking is illegal in the country, yet it is easily accessible, meaning young people don’t struggle to buy it,” added Lenkoe.

As a young person, specifically under the age of 25, you are at a higher risk of many health complications. “One’s brain is not fully developed until you reach the age of 25, so drinking from an earlier age may negatively impact the brain,” she said.

“The frontal lobe, the part of the brain which allows us to make well-thought decisions, can suffer damage, and when intoxicated you don’t make conscious decisions.”

Partnering with communities through sports is a powerful strategy to combat drug and alcohol abuse among youth. Sports provide a positive outlet, fostering teamwork, discipline, and leadership. ActionSA’s 12 point plan includes implementing comprehensive programs to restore moral pic.twitter.com/dOPur12idL

— ActionSA KwaZulu-Natal (@ActionSA_KZN) May 1, 2024

It’s safe to say that most of the solutions start at home. “Encourage children to have dreams and goals, emphasise values within our kids, such as respect. Values guide behaviour.”

Lenkoe emphasised that when children grow up with dreams to reach and goals they want to achieve, they put that above most temptations and pressures that come with being a child and the added values guide them with choices and paths they choose.

If you need help or know of someone who might need it contact:

• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) – 011 262 6396

• Tough Love – 0861 868 445

• Life Line – 0861 322 322

• Alcoholics Anonymous – 0861 4357 22

• Al-Anon – 031 304 1826

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg/mvh