Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance

26/06/2026

International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking:

Today, On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, SAAPA SA stands with communities across South Africa and the world to confront the harms caused by drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol is a drug, a substance that fuels violence, diseases, and social instability, and it should be better regulated. Alcohol must be less available, less advertised, and more expensive through stronger taxation. By enforcing alcohol laws, we can protect families, safeguard young people, and build healthier communities.

Together, let's confront the true cost of alcohol and create

24/06/2026

SAAPA SA at the 1976@50 Youth Summit on the Hill:

In the spirit of Youth Month, SAAPA-SA is proud to be participating in the 1976@50 Youth Summit, which is currently underway at Constitution Hill.

This 2 day gathering brings together young leaders, activists, students and changemakers to engage with realities facing South Africa's Youth today, reaffirm constitutional rights, and explore how young people can shape the country's future.

On 25 June, SAAPA SA will facilitate a dedicated session on Alcohol Harm Reduction, creating a space for dialogue on the impact of alcohol availability and use on individuals, families and communities.

We look forward to engaging with the next generation of leaders and contributing to conversations that drive positive change.

14/06/2026

Finishing what was started. ✊🏾🔥

As we honor the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Uprisings, we’re tapping into that same timeless spirit of youth activism to tackle the modern challenges of alcohol-related harm in our communities. Our True Cost of Alcohol Youth Ambassador Training in Soweto is equipping a new generation of leaders with the power of storytelling, digital content creation, and community mobilisation, turning their smartphones into megaphones for real change. By connecting the concerns of ‘76 to the advocacy needed today, these ambassadors are learning to challenge systemic issues like tavern density and aggressive marketing to demand safer, healthier spaces for all. The struggle continues, and this June 16, our ambassadors will be taking their voices to the streets to lead the way forward. 📣✨

14/06/2026

14/06/2026

09/04/2026

GAPC 2026 Plenary Speaker Spotlight

We are proud to announce that Aadielah Maker-Diedericks as a plenary speaker for the Managing Availability panel at the GAPC Conference hosted by the Global Alcohol Policy Conference.

Aadielah will share insights on the value of monitoring liquor licenses, empowering communities to act on their rights, engage meaningfully in alcohol conversations, reduce availability, and build constructive working relationships with liquor authorities.

Her expertise highlights how community-driven action can shape healthier environments and strengthen accountability in alcohol policy.

07/04/2026

Amplifying African Voices at GAPC 2026

The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance is proud to announce our participation in the Global Alcohol Policy Conference taking place from 8-10 April 2026 in Rio, Brazil. This is a platform to ensure that African perspectives on alcohol harm reduction, road safety, and public health policy reform are heard, valued, and acted upon at a global level.

By joining forces with international partners, we aim to:

*Strengthen advocacy for evidence based alcohol policies.
*Share regional experiences and innovations that drive alcohol-safer communities.
*Build solidarity across borders to reduce alcohol related harm.

Together, we can create and ensure that African leadership shapes the global agenda for healthier societies.

10/03/2026

SAAPA SA has called on Parliament to take urgent action on the true cost of alcohol in South Africa.

During the Fiscal Framework and Revenue Proposals hearings, SAAPA SA highlighted that alcohol-related harm costs thr country an estimated 12% of GDP, far exceeding the Revenue generated from alcohol sales.

Increasing excise taxes above inflation is a proven, evidence-based measure that can help reduce alcohol harm, protect communities, and ensure alcohol pricing reflects its real social and economic costs.

It is time to advocate for policies that promise public health, safer communities, and responsible fiscal decisions.

18/02/2026

SPONSORED | SAAPA-SA calls for an evidence-backed excise tax increase to curb alcohol’s harm on society and the economy