Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu to raise awareness on dangers and risks associated with alcohol in Sicelo
The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mme Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, will in collaboration with Heineken SA host a community social mobilisation campaign to raise awareness on the dangers and risks associated with alcohol on Friday, 21 April at Sicelo Community Hall in Midvaal.
The campaign seeks to raise awareness and educate community members on the dangers of alcohol in and around the Heineken Sedibeng Brewery, where Pillies Farm, Boitumelo and Khayelitsha residents are located, and employees of the giant brewery reside. It is also aimed at engaging residents about alcohol as a social and structural driver of HIV/Aids chronic disease, Gender Based Violence and Femicide pandemic and other social ills such as teenage pregnancy.
The Department of Social Development is the lead department in the coordination and implementation of the 2019-2024 National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) which is aimed at achieving a drug free society for the benefit of all South Africans. As the custodian of the NDMP, which is the blueprint for South African government’s response to drug and alcohol abuse, the department will offer substance abuse support through the Siyalulama Programme, which will provide on-the-spot admission for alcohol and drug rehabilitation.
On the day, community members will have access to various government services and assist communities in accessing different services and interventions on matters affecting their daily lives. Community members will also have access to support measures such as the registration and compliance of Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs), including, services for persons with disabilities.
In addition, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), will be on site to educate and register illegible social grant beneficiaries, educate residents about Child Support Grant (CSG) Top-Up for orphans. The National Development Agency (NDA), which is also an entity of Social Development, will provide customer care services, information sharing on the establishment of cooperatives and the NPO support. Other government departments, their parastatals and SITA will also be present on the day.
The campaign is part of Freedom Month which is commemorated under the theme, “Consolidating and Safeguarding Democratic Gains”, to honour the unsung heroes and heroines who fought for the country’s freedom and paved the way for an equal, non-racial and a non-sexist South Africa. During the month, we also reflect on the progress made over our democratic journey thus far and consider how we can further strengthen our democracy.
