The True Cost of Alcohol - By SAAPA

Alcohol harm isn’t just a health issue, it’s a national crisis. Through stronger policies and higher taxes, we can save lives, protect communities, and build a healthier future. Increase excise tax on alcohol above inflation. #easterweekend #ChooseLifeThisEaster #increaseexcisetax #TheTrueCostOfAlcohol

The Constitution guarantees children the right to live free from violence.🇿🇦 Alcohol harm is a leading contributor to assault, domestic violence and community crime. Children in these environments grow up with fear and insecurity. Protecting human rights means addressing alcohol harm where it starts #TrueCostOtAlcohol #HumanRightsMonth #ChildHealth #ProtectOurChildren

This Human Rights Day remember protecting children's rights means protecting them from alcohol-related harm.🇿🇦🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Every child has the right to safety health education and dignity. Widespread alcohol outlet proximityto educational institutions and alcohol retail within communities violates these rights in homes, schools and communities. The True Cost of Alcohol is not measured in rand it is measured in lives futures and opportunities lost. It is time to act. Share your story in the comments below and what a #AlcoholSaferSouthAfrica would look like to you. Protecting children's rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. #TrueCostfAlcohol #HumanRightsDay #ProtectOurChildren #SafeCommunities #HumanRightsMonth

Children have the right to betreated with respect and dignity. Growing up in homes and communities affected by alcohol harm often erodes a child’ssenseof self-worth. Fear trauma and instability compromise their wellbeing and their ability to thrive. The True Cost of Alcoholis not just physical harm it’s the loss of dignity and security. Protecting children’s rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. #TrueCostOfAlcohol #Human #RightsMonth #ProtectOurChildren #AlcoholSaferSA

Children have the right to conditions that support physical and mental wellbeing.🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Alcohol harms children's health in multiple ways. Prenatal exposure can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders household, alcohol misuse creates trauma and community alcohol harm strains healthcare resources meant for children. The True Cost of Alcohol is paid in preventable illness and lost futures. Protecting children's rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. #TrueCostOfAlcohol #HumanRightsMonth #ChildHealth #ProtectOurChildren

Hundreds of community members across the Western Cape marched with us to Parliament. 🇿🇦 Their message was clear: Increase Excise Tax on Alcohol. Why this mattered: communities are drowning in alcohol related harm, from gender-based violence to children being exposed to easily accessible alcohol at extremely low prices. Enough is enough. This was not an ordinary march. Their voices carried the True Cost of Alcohol. #SAAPA #TheTrueCostofAlcohol #AlcoholSaferSA #IncreaseExciseTaxOnAlcohol

South African children have the right to be protected from abuse maltreatment and neglect. Alcohol misuse in homes is strongly linked to domestic violence and child neglect. Children living in households affected by alcohol harm face lack of food, fear beatings, witnessing violence and instability daily. Protecting children's rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. Protecting children's rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. #TrueCostOfAlcohol #ProtectOurChildren #Human #RightsMonth #SaferHomes

Children have the right to live in communities that are safe and supportive. High concentrations of alcohol outlets are linked to higher rates of violence, crime and unsafe public spaces. Children walking to school or playing outside are exposed to these dangers. The True Cost of Alcohol is paid in unsafe streets and lost childhoods. Protecting children's rights means reducing the harms caused by cheap and easily accessible alcohol. #TrueCostOfAlcohol #Human #RightsMonth #AlcoholSaferSA #ProtectOurChildren

Children have the right to full development physically emotionally and intellectually. Alcohol harm in homes and communities disrupts education creates unstable environments and increases neglect. Children exposed to alcohol-related harm face barriers to learning and personal growth. Protecting children's rights requires addressing the true cost of alcohol in every home and neighbourhood. #SAAPA #TheTrueCostofAlcohol #AlcoholSaferSA #HumanRightsMonth #ProtectOurChildren

SAAPA SA Calls on Parliament to Act on the True Cost of Alcohol and Increase Excise Taxes The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA SA) today presented to Parliament's Standing Committee on Finance during the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals hearings, calling on lawmakers to confront the true cost of alcohol and implement excise tax increases above inflation as a fiscally responsible and evidence-based policy intervention. SAAPA SA warned that alcohol harm is imposing a massive and growing burden on South Africa's economy, public services, and communities. Research shows that the social, economic, and health costs linked to alcohol misuse amount to approximately 12 % of GDP. This far exceeds the revenue generated from alcohol sales and highlights a critical imbalance in current pricing and taxation policies. Speaking on behalf of SAAPA SA, Campaign Director Nomcebo Dlamini stressed that current tax adjustments are failing to address the scale of the problem. #SAAPA #TheTrueCostofAlcohol #ParliamentRSA #Budget2026

Join SAAPA SA at the public hearings on the 2026 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals as we emphasize the use of excise tax to reduce harm and strengthen revenue. Key focus areas include: • The failure of inflation-only tax increases: Why they do not work. • Proven public policy: The effectiveness of excise taxes. • Fiscal opportunities for South Africa. • Specific policy recommendations. Watch the Parliament RSA public hearings live on YouTube and DStv Channel 408. Link : youtube.com/ParliamentofRSA #SAAPA #TheTrueCostofAlcohol #AlcoholSaferSA #PassLiqourBillsNo

The Constitution guarantees children the right to live free from violence. Alcohol harm is a leading contributor to assault, domestic violence and community crime. Children in these environments grow up with fear and insecurity. Protecting human rights means addressing alcohol harm where it starts #TrueCostOfAlcohol #HumanRightsMonth #AlcoholSaferSA #ProtectOurChildren

SAAPA SA attended the Central Drug Authority stakeholder meeting to ensure that the new 2025–2030 National Drug Master Plan addresses the root causes of alcohol-related harm. At the event, we joined forces with other civil society leaders to ensure that the True Cost of Alcohol remains at the centre of the national policy agenda. Key discussion points included the urgent need to close illegal liquor outlets and strictly enforce trading hours at the municipal level to strengthen community safety and reduce alcohol-related incidents. Transparency was also emphasised, as there is a strong push to protect policymaking from industry interference and ensure that public health takes precedence over corporate interests during the development of the National Drug Master Plan. The discussion also highlighted the importance of sustainable economic thinking by challenging the myth that the alcohol industry is a major “value add” to the economy. When the full health, social, and safety costs are considered, they far outweigh the financial gains. The health and safety of our communities must remain the priority. #SAAPA #PolicyChange #TrueCostOfAlcohol #ActOnAlcohol #SouthAfrica #CentralDrugAuthority

Make Your Submission Count at the Public Hearings The Budget has been tabled. Parliament is now considering the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals — and this is your opportunity to influence the process before decisions are finalised. Public submissions to the Finance Committees are not symbolic. They shape deliberations, inform recommendations, and can strengthen the case for a meaningful increase in alcohol excise tax to reduce harm and confront the true cost of alcohol. Join SAAPA SA for a focused, practical webinar that will guide you step by step on how to prepare and submit a strong, evidence-based submission for the public hearings. 📅 Wednesday, 4 March ⏰ 16h00 💻 Zoom 🔗 Register here: bit.ly/3OSMNes Be prepared. Be strategic. Make your voice count.

The Standing Committee on Finance and Select Committee on Finance are calling for urgent public submissions on the 2026/2027 Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals. SAAPA SA calls on you to act. Support a meaningful increase in alcohol excise tax. Excise policy is one of the most effective tools to reduce alcohol-related deaths, violence, road crashes and the growing strain on our health system. The true cost of alcohol is paid in lives, not rands. Deadline: 12:00, Tuesday 10 March 2026 State clearly if you wish to present at the Zoom hearings on 10 March. Send submissions to: awicomb@parliament.gov.za tsepanya@parliament.gov.za nmangweni@parliament.gov.za Strengthen your submission. Join SAAPA SA’s explainer webinar: Wednesday 4 March, 16h00 on Zoom bit.ly/3OSMNes

Budget 2026: how alcohol taxation fails to address real costs share.google/YM4Oi7fBlQh41F…

The Minister indicated that certain tax increases are unavoidable. The increases include: ▶️Excise duties on tobacco: Adjusted in line with inflation ▶️Excise duties on alcoholic beverages: Adjusted in line with inflation ▶️General fuel levy ▶️Carbon fuel levy ▶️Road Accident Fund (RAF) levy #Budget2026

Dear Minister, as you will be speaking to the nation, will you speak for us? Please include our communities in your Budget Speech. Faith Sibeko from The Faith & Hope Foundation (Ga-Rankuwa) tells us more about the changes we require to save our neighbourhoods. #IncreaseExciseTaxOnAlcohol #TrueCostOfAlcohol #BudgetSpeech2026