Aware_ZA

05/06/2026

In yesterday’s FASD Webinar, researchers, healthcare professionals, and sector leaders shared powerful insights on the realities of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the complex factors that contribute to FASD in South Africa.

This snapshot captures just a few of the thought-provoking perspectives shared during the discussion.

These conversations remind us that preventing FASD requires more than information. It requires collective action.

Watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rPWpAtJ3_Q

04/06/2026

Today's FASD webinar unpacked new national research on South Africans' perceptions of alcohol use during pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

A key message from Aware.org.za CEO Mokebe Thulo: preventing FASD cannot rest on women alone. Sober pregnancies require support from partners, families, communities, healthcare systems, and society as a whole.

The discussion explored the gap between awareness and action, the myths that still persist, and what meaningful prevention and support truly require.

02/06/2026

Calling on healthcare professionals, social workers, NPO leaders, educators, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners working with pregnant women, children, families, and communities.

FASD remains one of the most significant yet misunderstood public health challenges facing South Africa. Despite ongoing awareness efforts, myths, misinformation, and stigma continue to shape how we understand alcohol harm during pregnancy.

Join AWARE.org on 4 June 2026 from 10:00–12:00 SAST for our webinar, The Truth About FASD, where we will unpack the latest research, explore the realities behind the statistics, and discuss what a more effective, evidence-based response could look like.

This webinar may be particularly relevant to colleagues from:

👉 Health (National and Provincial Departments of Health, healthcare facilities, maternal and child health services)
👉 Social Development and community services
👉 Education and Higher Education institutions
👉 Women's, youth, and family-focused organisations
👉 Child protection and early childhood development organisations
👉 Substance use prevention and treatment organisations
👉 Public health, research, and policy institutions

Register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jTFcOVkGTbCx-U5t1nvVDg #/registration

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28/05/2026

AWARE.org's upcoming FASD Webinar and 2026 Sober Pregnancies Research are grounded in a simple reality: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) cannot be addressed through awareness alone.

During this interview with Angela Ludek on SAfm's Quantum, Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org, unpacked how research, evidence, and cross-sector collaboration can help address the complex factors that contribute to alcohol harm during pregnancy, from poverty and mental health challenges to social norms, access to healthcare, and the availability of support systems.

The conversation reinforced an important truth: preventing FASD is not about individual blame. It requires a coordinated, whole-of-society response that combines research, education, compassionate support, and evidence-based interventions.

Catch the full interview here: https://www.aware.org.za/media

28/05/2026

For many young people, mental health support isn't always easy to access. Some young people don't make bad choices, they make unsupported ones.

That's where programmes like NxtGenGirls and NxtGenBoys come in.

Through support and guidance:
92% of learners reported improved wellbeing
73% of teachers saw improvements in school performance

When young people are supported, they make better choices.

27/05/2026

Today, AWARE.org hosted its Road Safety Partners Breakfast, bringing together partners from industry, government, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and the road safety sector to reflect on the progress we have made together in reducing alcohol-related road harm.

The morning celebrated the partnerships that continue to drive meaningful impact and reaffirmed our shared commitment to creating safer roads and healthier communities.

Representatives from the National Department of Transport, RTMC, TMPD, JMPD, EMPD, NICRO, and AWARE.org member organisations joined us as we reflected on the power of collaboration and the role each stakeholder plays in advancing road safety across South Africa.

Thank you to all our partners for your continued commitment and support. The progress we are seeing is only possible because we work together.

27/05/2026

The truth matters, because myths can normalise harmful behaviour and delay support. Many people still believe harmful misconceptions about alcohol use during pregnancy, putting mothers and babies at risk. Swipe through to uncover the facts and better understand the realities of FASD. Findings drawn from the AWARE.org.za Sober Pregnancies Research Report, conducted by Frontline Research Group.

26/05/2026

How many times have you said:
"I'll just drive myself."

It sounds like a plan… until the night changes. One drink becomes more. The vibe shifts. And now you're stuck with a decision you should've made earlier.

That's why it's simple: If you're drinking, shiyi'moto. What's your go-to plan when you know you'll be drinking?

25/05/2026

Africa Day is a reminder of what’s possible when progress is built through unity, purpose and shared responsibility. 🌍 Across South Africa, stronger communities are shaped when awareness turns into action.

At AWARE.org, we remain committed to evidence-based alcohol harm reduction that helps create safer roads, healthier families, informed young people and stronger futures.