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A bystander sitting outside a closed liquor store
Members of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa, together with other anti‑alcohol organisations, will march to Parliament on Wednesday.
They aim to raise concern about the harmful impact of alcohol in communities, especially on children.
Organisers point to alcohol abuse as a major factor behind high murder rates on the Cape Flats.
They are calling for stronger measures to curb its availability and protect vulnerable residents.
Campaign Manager Nomcebo Dlamini says alcohol is much cheaper and that is why it is easily accessible.
“We are actually marching in support of national treasury’s increase of excise tax – because it’s a proven measure to reduce harmful alcohol use, especially by children and by young people. Our alcohol, especially our beer right now, costs less than what a loaf of bread costs in most communities – which is why it is easily accessible. So, basically what we are doing this morning is, we are saying to parliament and to the parliamentarians, can they please consider all the policies- in terms of increase of excise tax- but as well as all the other policies that have already been tabled, like for instance the liquor amendment bill.”
