People of SAB have their say
The #SAB18plus campaign has stimulated much discussion and debate over the last few months. Underage drinking is a big issue in our society, however, one that is often 'turned a blind eye' to. As South Africa’s leading beverage company we believe we have a responsibility to play a leading role in positively influencing social change. Our position on underage drinking is non-negotiable - those under the age of 18 should not consume alcohol – and this is what the #SAB18Plus campaign seeks to achieve. Thousands of people have engaged in the campaign, with both positive and negative responses. We’re glad to see so many people have taken an interest in this subject and shared their opinions. It shows people are concerned, and have a desire to improve things. Many supporters of the campaign come from within our company. We’re proud of the people who have spoken out, sharing their personal opinions on underage drinking. We’ve shared just a few of their opinion statements below. In this group you’ll find parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and friends of teenagers. These are their reasons for pledging: [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “There’s an appointed time for everything and your teens are not the time to be busy with alcohol. As a sister and an aunt to precious and impressionable teens, I understand the importance of not only talking the talk but also walking the walk when it comes to a healthy and balanced approach to alcohol and life.” Vuyokazi Mokoena [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “As Nokubonga’s older sister, I support the 18+ Campaign as I believe that you reap what you sow. I believe that her exposure to alcohol and her perception thereof is greatly my responsibility as an adult. As I always tell her, alcohol is not the issue, people are.” Thina Kunene [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “Tyler is my Granddaughter and she lives with us, so with that comes responsibilities and one of those falls within the realms of underage drinking. With her and her teenage friends the subject of underage drinking is foremost and there is the continual re-iteration of the dangers thereof as well as the consequences associated with it. All teenagers need to enter into adulthood with happy memories and it is for us adults to ensure that this happens. A huge thumbs up for 18+ and the national movement to not allow our children to drink alcohol before the legal age limit.” Andre van Rensburg [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “We may not be able to prevent the stormy times in our lives but as parents or guardians we can prevent underage drinking in our life time.” Kenneth Seema [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “Wait until you’re 18+ for alcohol; Alcohol will wait for you!” Shobna Persadh [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “As a father I have an obligation to lead by example and inspire my son to make the right choices. The 18+ campaign is a game changer and a conversation trigger for me and Sma to talk about negative consequences of drinking alcohol at a young age.” Bongumusa Makhathini [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “My sermon before any party…“Don’t put yourself at risk, respect yourself enough to say NO; there are no benefits from underage drinking.” Lisette Kyd [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “Parents need to take a strong stance against underage drinking. It is our responsibility, and it starts with me not allowing my daughter to drink alcohol. I don’t want her childhood threatened by a responsibility that should be left to adulthood.” Erick Van Der Linden [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “I firmly believe that children should not be given alcohol until they are physically and mentally ready for it (after 18).” Jessica Yellin [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “As an aunt of a teenager, I am responsible for setting the right example and guiding her from a young age, to respect that drinking alcohol is for adults only, and that it should be done responsibly.” Karen K. Pinheiro [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “Society as a whole needs to take a stand in moulding its’ children’s future, so that tomorrow they too can reach their potential. I therefore support the 18+ movement against underage drinking.” Mpho Mphela [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “Pamela’s future is in her hands…But as a mother, ensuring that she understands the physical, mental and social problems as a result of underage drinking is in my hands.” Nondumiso Zulu [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “I've personally seen the ill effects underage drinking can have on an individual and family. My wife and I have made it a priority to prevent it from happening with our family through regular open and honest communication with our two teenagers.” Paul Verdu [/one_half_last] [one_half]
[/one_half] [one_half_last] “As Chanel’s stepdad, I have the responsibility of keeping her and her sisters safe and part of my job is to warn them of the dangers out there, one of them being underage drinking. As a parent these days it is difficult to maintain the fine balance between being a “cool dad” and “the rule maker”, but there are some things in our house that are non-negotiable. As a teen it is hard to say “no” when you are under peer pressure to do what others perceive as cool, so I can only hope as a parent that I have taught my girl to choose right from wrong and that she will continue to make the right choices. One wrong choice early on can ruin the rest of your life – it is that simple – just say “no”. This is why Chanel and I support the 18+ campaign and we hope others will too.” Rocco Taljaardt [/one_half_last]
What are your reasons for taking a stand against underage drinking? Share them in the comments below.
