Die Frau, die Südafrika auffordert, sich dem zu stellen, was sie normalisiert hat

Nomcebo Dlamini, campaign director of the Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance in South Africa (Saapa SA), is calling on the nation to address its entrenched drinking culture. Her efforts highlight a growing concern over how alcohol consumption affects daily life and societal well-being. Dlamini’s work centers around challenging the normalization of alcohol in South African society. She argues that despite widespread recognition of the issue, meaningful action remains elusive. According to her, alcohol is deeply embedded in the country’s social fabric, present at birthdays, weddings, funerals, and even in commercial advertisements. Its ubiquity makes it difficult to view it as anything other than routine, yet its impact is profound. Her advocacy began after nearly a decade in public health advocacy, particularly working with young people. During this time, she observed alarming trends related to substance use. Determined to act, she pursued roles within governmental bodies such as the Central Drug Authority and eventually joined Saapa SA. There, she noticed a lack of attention toward alcohol compared to illicit drugs. This realization became the catalyst for her current mission. Traveling extensively across South Africa, Dlamini has engaged with communities facing severe consequences of excessive drinking. These include domestic violence, child neglect, and economic hardship. In these discussions, she has consistently encountered a shared understanding of the problem. Over 70% of individuals interviewed recognize the crisis, often citing affordability and accessibility as key factors. The cost of alcohol in some areas is lower than basic food items, forcing families to make painful trade-offs. This affordability, combined with aggressive marketing and widespread availability, contributes to the normalization of drinking. Dlamini emphasizes that these conditions create environments conducive to harmful behaviors. Community members have described situations where alcohol exacerbates existing issues. For example, gender-based violence is frequently linked to intoxication among perpetrators or victims. Similarly, child neglect occurs when parents prioritize drinking over caring for their children. These accounts reveal interconnected problems that demand systemic change. Dlamini’s team conducted a study examining the correlation between liquor outlets and gender-based violence. Their findings indicate a direct link, with higher rates of violence in areas with more alcohol establishments. This data supports her argument that regulatory changes could mitigate these effects. Another recurring theme from community interactions involves the absence of safe spaces for children. Parents often leave young ones unattended while they drink, placing them in potentially dangerous situations. Older siblings step in to care for younger ones, highlighting the strain on family structures. These experiences underscore the urgency of addressing alcohol-related issues. Dlamini believes that true leadership requires confronting uncomfortable truths. Her journey from public health advocate to prominent policy figure illustrates the power of persistent inquiry and commitment to change. One particular moment stands out in her mind, though the specifics remain private. What is clear is that her work continues to challenge the status quo and push for a healthier, more equitable society.