Alcohol ban for public schools

The Talking Point

The Eastern Cape Education Department has banned all liquor sales on public school grounds and asked 38 schools to not renew their permanent liquor licenses. According the South African Schools Act, it prohibits the bringing, possession, consumption, or sale of liquor on public school premises or during any public school activity. Some Model C schools have shared their concerns around the impact on this has on their fundraising initiatives given the government funding gaps in their budgets. They have also highlighted the caveat in the SA Schools Act on fundraising. Some of these schools have threatened to take legal action.

Some alcohol reduction activists have insisted that schools should be alcohol-free zones stating 1 in 5 learners drinking before age 13. A national governing body has backed the alcohol ban in the province. Last week, the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape tabled a motion at provincial legislature for the MEC of Education, Fundile Gade, to review the ban and engage the school stakeholders. How do we ensure that schools are safe environment?

Guest: Thembani Mtyhida - Deputy Director General for Institution Operations and Management at the Eastern Cape Department of Education

Guest: Kashifa Ancer - Campaign Manager at Rethink Your Drink (alcohol harm reduction organization)

Guest: Matakanye Matakanye – General Secretary of the National Association of Schools Governing Bodies