Zuma’s Christmas warning: Alcohol abuse threatens South Africa’s future
MK Party leader and former President, Jacob Zuma, has wished South Africans a merry Christmas.
Image: Tumi Pakkies / Independent Newspapers
In his Christmas message, former President Jacob Zuma, has urged South Africans, particularly the youth, to cut back on alcohol consumption, warning that excessive drinking among young people could derail the nation’s future.
In a video address on Thursday, Zuma called on citizens to prioritise “getting their lives better rather than chasing unnecessary distractions,” emphasising personal responsibility during the festive season.
He wished South Africans a safe and grateful Christmas, but didn’t mince words on the role of alcohol in society.
“We know there are nice things like alcohol, but people tend to forget themselves when they are drunk,” Zuma said.
“It is important for the youth to limit their alcohol consumption because they are the future of this country.”
Zuma, now leader of the MK Party, framed his appeal as a matter of national consequence.
“I know many of you who drink alcohol would say I am wrong but I am not, I am telling the truth because when someone is drunk, [they] forget who they are,” he added. “We don’t want the youth to lose their future.”
While urging behavioural change, Zuma also pledged that his party would enact broad reforms if elected, saying: “We will change a lot of things so that we can be respected like other countries. There are a lot of things that are not in order but we will tackle them.”
His message comes amid mounting concerns over alcohol-related harms in South Africa.
Health and safety experts warned that high levels of alcohol consumption contribute to road accidents, violent crime, family breakdowns and gender-based violence — trends that spike during year-end festivities.
Government departments have directly urged young people to avoid alcohol and substance abuse, noting heightened risks of accidents and interpersonal violence over the holidays.
Thousands of suspects have been arrested nationwide, with hundreds of arrests linked directly to driving under the influence as roadblocks and crackdowns intensified. The police reports have confirmed this.
Highlighting the human impact of reckless drinking, authorities reported that more than 2,500 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence in just one week, with nearly 50,000 litres of alcohol confiscated in recent operations.
The authorities have also urged the public to enjoy their festive holidays and be vigilant and safe.
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