16 May 2016

Alcohol and drugs continues to be a worrisome issue among the youth and especially among school going students.On Friday, Madikwe junior school students embarked on a sponsored walk against alcohol which usually leads to drug use and destroy the future leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking during the occasion at Madikwe junior school in Mmathubudukwane village, the corporate affairs manager of KBL Mr Masegonyana Madisa said the biggest challenge which their company is facing is alcohol abuse.

He said even though majority of people drink responsibly and in moderation, there are those who abuse alcohol and this has devastating impact on their lives and family.Mr Madisa said it was therefore critical that they sensitise students on the impact of drinking at a young age more so that teenagers who begin drinking before the age of 15 are much more likely to develop a drinking problem.

He said  teenagers who drink at this age are more likely to experiment  other drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Madisa urged students to abscond from alcohol until they are of age because it impacts on their development and have a serious bearing on their school performance.

He told them that those who drink could end up having physical harm due to alcohol dependency, crime and violence and sexual assault.The corporate manager said they keep reminding their customers that alcohol is for adults and they do not derive pride from any customer who abuses their products.

“As KBL we are sensitive to the concerns of government and the society at large about excessive alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse because of the impact they have on society,” said Madisa.

He said the theme “alcohol and drug free Madikwe, a great responsibility beyond 2016”cannot be more relevant.He further said in fact they were concerned about underage drinking as their products are strictly for adults and they strongly condemn any abuse of them.

Mr Madisa said they have Ikgalemele Campaign which seeks to teach their customers to take responsibility when they decide to drink alcohol. As part of the campaign they have a Responsible Youth Program which seeks to discourage underage drinking.

He said parents have a great role to play in the upbringing of their children and should  be concerned about their children’s education but he has realised that parents neglect this and leave in entirely to the hands of teachers.The area Councillor Mr Seoke Seoke advised students to focus on their education more that the school environment does not tolerate alcohol at all.

He told them that they should concentrate on their studies in order  that they could  live the dreams of their lives.Mr Seoke implored students to leave alcohol to adults especially that it destroys their future. He said some who drink end up engaging in social ills and bad behaviour which cost them their education.He also encouraged parents to take part in the fight against alcohol abuse and direct their children towards attaining better education performance to secure their future.

The Guidance and Counselling senior teacher Mr Sylvester Tebape said the objective of the walk was among others to create awareness among the students and public about the dangers of alcohol and its impact on their lives.ENDS