‘Be responsible this festive season’
KWAZULU-NATAL Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has urged residents to be cautious as the festive season approaches. Simelane said that residents should do better and not abuse alcohol.
“We plead with the public to enjoy the festive silly season responsibly and be cautious. We must not abuse alcohol; if you drink it is okay but have a limit.
“It puts a strain on the Health Department because hospitals become full with people who are injured either in car accidents caused by drinking and driving or fights after people have been drunk,” said Simelane.
She further advised motorists who drink to have designated drivers if they planned on using their cars to go out, adding that people must not agree to be driven around by someone who is drunk.
She said the fights that take place in clubs or taverns were mostly a result of people who have drank and passed their limit. She urged people to avoid getting into fights, as some end up losing their lives.
Simalene emphasised the need for people to also practice safe sex. “There are female and male condoms, no one should have an excuse,” said Simelane.
She reminded women that they can also wear their condoms and be protected because a lot of people flood the labour wards in September which means they got pregnant in December.
“To young people who have not engaged themselves in sexual activities, they must continue to abstain because there is no rush,” she said.
Earlier this year, Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula said 6 169 motorists were arrested for drunk driving, speed and other moving violations, 1 586 were for drunk driving.
Moreover, there was a 14% increase in road fatalities compared with 2020.
The Eastern Cape recorded the largest decline in fatalities, 7.9%, This was followed by KZN with a 6.5% decline. North West recorded an increase of 25.3%. Mpumalanga also recorded an increase of 24.3%.