Yesterday marked four years since the Enyobeni Tavern tragedy that claimed the lives of 21 teenagers in East London, a day that remains one of the darkest chapters in South Africa’s recent history.
The conversation is especially urgent as schools close for the mid-year holidays, a period often associated with “pens-down” celebrations and parties where underage drinking continues to place young people at risk.
While investigations, inquests, and public debate have followed the tragedy since June 26, 2022, organisations working on the ground say the underlying drivers of underage drinking remain deeply rooted. Easy access to alcohol, peer pressure, weak enforcement of liquor laws, and the normalisation of drinking among young people continue to fuel the problem.
In response, prevention efforts are increasingly focusing on young people themselves.
More than 30,000 learners across the Eastern Cape have pledged to stay away from alcohol through the #NOToU18 Peer-to-Peer Programme, a campaign launched by AWARE.org, an association for alcohol responsibility and education in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board and United Through Sport.
Implemented in 40 schools across Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metro, in February it was revealed that the initiative recorded an 84% commitment rate among learners who pledged either to abstain from alcohol or reduce alcohol consumption while underage.
Rather than relying solely on adults warning young people about alcohol, the programme trains learner ambassadors to lead conversations inside their own schools.
AWARE.org Chief Executive Officer Mokebe Thulo believes that the approach is key.
“We believe lasting change comes from young people speaking to each other in their own voices, rather than relying solely on adult-led messaging. Through this programme, we identify youth leaders who know what is happening on the ground. They share insights and are a part of the youth culture within those communities. They are active agents of positive change.”
Since its launch, the programme has reached more than 30,000 learners through 80 school visits, 40 end-of-year events, and 280 interactive peer sessions covering alcohol’s effects on physical health, emotional wellbeing, brain development, and future opportunities.
The programme comes as concerns persist over underage drinking in the Eastern Cape. Organisers point to the continued popularity of “pens-down” parties and social gatherings where teenagers are exposed to alcohol, as well as a viral TikTok video showing children aged six and 12 apparently drinking alcohol in the presence of adults.
For 18-year-old learner ambassador Amahle Ngqungwana, the challenge starts long before parties.
“At school, drinking is often driven by peer pressure and the need to fit in, even when it breaks the rules. What young people really need isn’t more lectures, but honest guidance about how alcohol can slowly damage their future. Post-exams are exciting, but your goals don’t end there, with no sacrifice, there’s no victory.”
Schools such as Lungisa High School, where crime, gangsterism, alcohol abuse, and other social challenges affect many learners, have become central to the programme’s work of building resilience before risky behaviour begins.
The Eastern Cape Liquor Board revealed those efforts are already producing encouraging results. Spokesperson Dr Mgwebi Msiya said authorities have noticed a decline in incidents linked to post-exam celebrations.
“We have seen a significant decrease in pens-down cases. Our ambassadors report suspected cases, and last year we received very few incidents.”
United Through Sport programme coordinator Ayabulela Mtati further detailed that the evidence collected throughout the programme suggests that empowering learners is producing measurable results.
“We use monitoring and evaluation to track real impact. These results show what young ambassadors can achieve when they are equipped to lead change in their communities.”
But for alcohol policy advocates, prevention programmes alone cannot solve the problem.
Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance South Africa (SAAPA SA) Campaign Director Nomcebo Dlamini believes the lessons of Enyobeni have still not been fully acted upon.
She argues that stronger enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of alcohol to minors could have prevented the tragedy.
“Access to cheap alcohol indirectly played a part in these deaths that were 100% preventable.”
Dlamini says that although the official cause of death was determined to be suffocation, alcohol still formed part of the wider tragedy.
“Although the official cause of death is suffocation, high levels of methanol, commonly found in homemade or illegal liquor, were found in the victims’ blood. Alcohol use is glamourised in advertising and the government’s annual increase in excise tax at inflation hardly makes a dent in consumption as most alcohol products remain affordable to the youth and people in vulnerable communities.”
She has welcomed the National Treasury’s proposal to introduce differentiated beer tax bands based on alcohol strength but says more can be done.
“Government should however consider tightening the proposed beer bands. The current proposal groups beverages with between 2.5% and 9% alcohol content into a single category. This is too broad. A narrower upper threshold, closer to 6%, would create stronger incentives for manufacturers to reformulate products toward lower alcohol content, while discouraging high-strength beer consumption patterns that contribute significantly to binge drinking.”
This year’s Substance Use Awareness Day carried the theme “Supporting the Supporters,” highlighting another often overlooked consequence of addiction, the emotional burden carried by families.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says while attention often focuses on the person battling addiction, families frequently suffer in silence.
Support Group Leader for Families and Friends of People Who Use Substances, Raylene, says relatives often shoulder the emotional burden alone.
“Families are often the ones carrying the weight of a loved one’s Substance Use issue, yet their struggles are rarely seen or talked about. Many feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn for help. That’s why it is so important to create safe spaces where families can speak openly, share their experiences, and receive support without judgment. Support Groups remind people that they are not alone, that their feelings matter, and that there is hope. When families are supported, they are better able to care for themselves and navigate the challenges they face.”
SADAG Substance Use Coordinator Tebogo Ramadiro says addiction has become a challenge affecting almost every community.
“Every household is dealing with Substance Use in some way, shape, or form. Addiction is one of the most common challenges families face today. This doesn’t happen to other people down the road or in another community, this is our community, our families, and our loved ones.”
He says substance use has become increasingly complex.
“Over the years, we have seen addiction increase, and many people are also struggling with other challenges at the same time, such as alcohol and drugs, online gambling, and cannabis, and often a combination of different struggles, including mental health, trauma, and chronic illness. Because of the shame and stigma often linked to addiction, many people hesitate to ask for help. The impact is also felt by the whole family, with loved ones facing emotional stress, financial strain, broken trust, mismanaged finances, and in some cases, theft or dishonest behaviour linked to a person’s addiction.”
Saturday Star