Battle of government and alcohol

Advert poster of cheap booze for students

Battle of government and alcohol

 The government insists its proposals are the best starting point to tackle the sale of cheap drink, but Zoom Zoom is opposing that by selling alcohol to students at a lower price. The government's proposed price increase for alcohol has been set so low it would have stopped only one cut-price drink deal out of thousands in the last months.

After hearing the Budget speech I thought things would be different with the selling of alcohol, but the changes would not have affected promotions such as a Zoom Zoom special deal offering ciders for R5.00, or three 15-packs of Strongbow cider totalling 89 units of alcohol for R50.

There is clear evidence that increasing the cost of alcohol encourages drinkers to quit and discourages young people from taking it up. Brewers and pub chains have criticised the increase in alcohol duties by making beers and ciders available to everyone including students.

Students didn’t feel intimidated with the increase of alcohol as they knew that many Pubs will make specials. The question is “What does neither government nor Institutions says about such kind of behaviour from the Pubs?” Central Pretoria students are affected by the adverts and Pubs near their campuses.

The government agreement drawn up agreed to ban the selling of alcohol below cost price and on Sundays. However, this is not the case with drinkers. “This thing is very simple; I’ll buy more on Saturday so that I don’t have to worry too much on Sundays” Sipho Makhubedu, Arcadia resident.

Government officials believes that banning the sale of alcohol below the rate of duty plus VAT is the best starting point for tackling the availability of cheap alcohol and will send a clear signal to retailers and the public that government take this issue seriously. The impact of alcohol prices on public health and crime and disorder is a complex one.

“A person under the influence of alcohol can’t think straight. Alcohol Affects their judgement and can make one to feel powerful enough to say or do things he/she wouldn’t normally do. Alcohol lowers a person’s inhibitions”. Mr. Komane

It might affect the decision making process and can encourage pursuit of other friendship and casual sex. This increases the risk of contraction sexually transmitted infections.

Phumzile Primary School voice out against rape

Phumzile Primary School voice out against rape

Respect others: Pupil of Phumzile Primary School say no to rape

Phumzile Primary school is one of the schools that applied ‘I pledge’ Rape Campaign last week issued by Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Angie Motshekga. Motshekga demanded that all schools should teach learners about the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and to respect the rights of others irrespective of age, race, gender or sexual orientation.

The issue of rape is a serious challenge and people need to be taught about it at the early stage. Phumzile Primary started the campaign as soon as they heard about it and pupils were told to report any form of wrongdoing to authorities or anyone they trust.

Life Skills educator, Mr Gerald Dimmock mentioned that Life Skills textbooks covers chapters of self respect. “In grade 4 there is a chapter that talks about respect your body others body. I don’t teach them about what is in the textbooks only, I also tell them that they have right to say no”. He said.

He further stated that the school work hand-in-hand with Social Workers and Police officers who checks and assist them on cases of abuse or violence. HOD of Intersen, Mrs Bagezile Modiba said “If the campaign can be taken serious by the learners it’ll spread to the families through the learners and we’ll have a safe community”.

Grade 7 pupil, Keneilwe Motshoene (13) is not pleased with the adverts shown on the Television. “The government is wrong they shouldn’t have allowed adverts of young girls sleeping with old people. This is a disadvantage to us (girls) because boys will tell us that even the TV supports this”. When asked about the campaign she kept on blaming the Media for presenting sexual scenes.