The Mail & Guardian and Soul City invites you to the third Critical Thinking Forum on A Comprehensive Alcohol Policy for South Africa: Heavy-handed or Health-promoting?
A panel of experts will share their perspectives and Xolani Gwala will focus the debate.
What is this forum about?
The Critical Thinking Forum on alcohol will focus on the need for a comprehensive alcohol policy.
Alcohol is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease burden, and harmful drinking has been linked to non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis of the liver and various cancers, as well as to infectious conditions like HIV/Aids, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. Injuries resulting from road traffic accidents, violence and suicides also add to the disease burden of harmful drinking. Research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that South Africa has the dubious distinction of being among the top five countries with the riskiest drinking patterns in the world.
Some of the key issues, among others, that need to be included in such a policy are:
- The introduction of a levy on the sale of alcohol to ensure that the alcohol industry pays for the harm that their product causes
- The setting up of a health promotion foundation that will address a range of issues, including the harm caused by alcohol
- A restriction on the marketing and advertising of alcohol
- A restriction on drinking and driving for the first three years of attaining a driver’s license
- Synergy of policy between and within the different government departments that have policy statements regarding alcohol
- Synergy of policy at municipal, provincial and national levels
When is it taking place?
July 26 2011. The forum, in conjunction with the Soul City Institute for Health and Development Communication, will commence at 6.30pm for 7pm with an opportunity for the audience to participate in a Q&A. The forum will be moderated by Xolani Gwala of SAfm. There will be a live broadcast of the forum on SAfm from 7pm.
Where is it taking place?
The Glenhove Conference Centre.
Who will be there?
A panel comprising of top-notch leaders drawn from across society will be present. The speakers all have the ability to think laterally, to articulate their views passionately and to hear the other side. The following great minds have agreed to be on the panel:
- Thezi Mabuza — Department of Trade & Industry
- Dr Neo Morojele — Medical Research Council
- Dr Sandi Baai — South African Human Rights Commission
- Zane Dangor — Department of Social Development
Use the form below to RSVP for this event, in lieu of emailing.