10 Sep 2015

Kgosi John Marenga of Xai-Xai has raised concern about the high level of alcohol abuse among the young and old in his village.

He said in an interview recently that the socio-economic consequences of alcohol abuse extend beyond the victim. He added that the community was also affected by the problem.

The village has seen the number of illegal alcohol depots increase with reports of violence and unbecoming behaviour reaching Kgosi Marenga on a daily basis.

He said school pupils were often the victims of the violence which was caused by alcohol abuse.

“The primary role of a parent is to shield their child from any mishap that might befall them. However, alcohol addicts in this village tend to pay no attention to their children’s schoolwork,” he said.

He noted that even beneficiaries of empowerment initiatives such as the Poverty Eradication Programme neglect their businesses for alcohol, risking a relapse into poverty.

He said the high alcohol abuse was fueled by the lack of opening and closing hours for alcohol depots.

He said the prevailing situation was a fertile ground for rape incidents and HIV infection.

He advised parents to refrain from alcohol abuse and to focus on shaping their children’s future and making a decent living for themselves. ENDS