We need to break the stranglehold alcohol has over our communities

I could not agree more with Prince Mashele’s column, headlined “Don’t let our future drown in the mindless alcoholism of today”.

He hit the nail on the head. Today, alcohol has become the centre of celebrations, since it appears that black people cannot celebrate without it.

This past weekend I visited my inlaws in Losasaneng, in Taung district, North West, and what I witnessed there almost brought me to tears.

Every corner I passed I saw people drinking. What really broke my heart is when I was told that children as young as 12 are now smoking nyaope and that drug dens are everywhere in the area.

I am told that the police are also transporting these drugs and the community seems helpless. What a shame if this is indeed true.

In response to the question posed by Mashele, “How do we save our nation from self-destruction by alcohol?” I wish to suggest that: Government departments like sports,

● arts and culture should schedule sporting activities every weekend to engage young people. Government must also build and improve on existing infrastructure; and

Law enforcement agencies should act ● against public drinking and close any unlicensed taverns, while monitoring licence conditions.

One wonders what the future of these young people will be at the rate they are consuming drugs and alcohol. Obakeng Setlogelo

Kimberley