South Africa’s 2026 State of the Nation Address by Cyril Ramaphosa signalled a clear shift in how alcohol harm is framed at national level. Rather than treating it as an isolated social problem, alcohol was linked directly to crime, violence, road accidents, health pressures and economic strain. The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance welcomed this recognition, but stressed that political acknowledgment must now be followed by firm and measurable action.
SAAPA is calling for long delayed reforms to move ahead without compromise. These include adopting the Liquor Amendment Bill of 2016, introducing zero tolerance for drink driving, banning alcohol advertising and sports sponsorship, and ensuring that alcohol policy is protected from industry influence. A central demand is to increase excise taxes on alcohol, described as the most effective tool to reduce harmful consumption while directing revenue to the state. Minimum Unit Pricing is seen only as a secondary option if excise increases cannot be achieved.
The campaign has now moved from statements to visible public action. On 18 February 2026, from 10:30 to 12:30, supporters are marching to Parliament from Hanover Street under the message “Behind every door is a story. Behind every bottle is a cost.” The imagery is stark, alcohol kills 100 people in South Africa every day, and communities are carrying the burden. The call is direct, increasing excise tax on alcohol saves lives, protects families and strengthens community safety.
Find more from SAAPA (South Afrcia, February 2026)
Alcohol Awareness 