As an integral part of this engagement the Commission will encourage participants to engage in this discussion in the spirit of its Social Harmony National Effort (SHiNE), conceived following the unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in 2021.  The Commission will introduce the ideas which motivated the concept as a means of informing the discussions.  

Research commissioned by the Western Cape Education Department reveals that levels of alcohol use in schools are alarmingly high. Complaints received by the Commission echo that trend. Instead of dealing with a complaint from an accusatory perspective, the Commission, considering levels of disharmony and conflict in society conceived of encouraging safe and constructive discussions with all stakeholders instead. The impact of alcohol abuse in schools for learners and by extension for their families, is disastrous. Negative educational outcomes have long lasting impacts for learners and their communities, and results in reduced job prospects and economic outcomes in most instances.

While there is little doubt that alcohol consumption affecting the school community has disastrous impacts on the ability of schools to function effectively and the ability of learners to receive quality education, unless this problem is addressed in a constructive and caring manner, the problem is likely to get worse. Statistics show that, in the Western Cape in particular, the extent of the problem is already at highly concerning levels.  

The right to education is a hard won and valuable right. Alcohol consumption in communities result in absenteeism, lost teaching and learning time, disrupted schedules for other learners, and this is just in the school environment. Alcohol has other disastrous societal impacts such as increased levels of violence, increased risk of injury, health impacts, general safety impacts and more. Alcohol abuse in our communities has a similar impact. Whether it is the learners themselves or those around them, the educational outcomes are negatively impacted. 

The Commission, in holding this conversation seeks to create a secure space for ongoing engagement with this problem. Through sharing experiences and shared knowledge of available assistance, the Commission hopes to create an environment which is more conducive to addressing alcohol (and substance) abuse among our youth. 

Following on the success of the Dialogue on Homelessness which saw useful exchanges of ideas and was eye opening for some stakeholders as to the true nature of the problem, the Commission expects that this conversation too will have similar impacts and can create an environment of care in which to address this societal ill.

Ends

For further information contact the SAHRC WCPO’s Ms T Carter via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or Western Cape Provincial Manager, Ms. Zena Nair This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Alternatively call 021 426 2277.