Officials from Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) educated learners from schools in Nyandeni Local Municipality on the dangers of underage drinking.
The spokesperson for ECLB, Mgwebi Msiya, said a total of 44 learners from 11 high schools in this municipality were trained on how to reduce alcohol abuse in schools, especially among young people.
The learners came from Ndamase, Mangala, Bekizulu, Chief Boklein, Smuts Ndamase, Victor Poto, Ngqeleni, Sinolwazi, Sehushe and Zamukulungisa senior secondary schools.
“These learners will assist us by educating other learners about the dangers of using alcohol,” Msiya said. “We also appealed to the schools to ensure that they are granted an opportunity to talk with their peers. They will also work as our voice. We suggested that they should be given two days in a week to talk about this. Also, we are expecting them to pass the message even within the locations.”
He confirmed that these learners would not work alone, because some of the teachers are also involved in this initiative.
Msiya confirmed that they were not willing to see the incident which happened in Enyobeni, where many under-age patrons died in a tavern, happening again.
He confirmed that they would go to Alfred Nzo, Mbhashe Local Municipality and Makanda Local Municipality to spread their message.
According to Msiya they had already been to King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Local Municipality, Gqeberha and Buffalo City.
One of the learners, Zibale Beqezi (16) from Zakulungisa Senior Secondary School, said that she would use this opportunity to educate her schoolmates about the dangers of alcohol.
“This is the main problem that we are facing as youth, knowing very well that we are killing our future,” said Beqezi.
Another learner, Asemahle Ngongo (16), said sometimes young people drink alcohol owing to certain problems.
“This is affecting our minds and destroying our future because alcohol is not a solution. I will use this opportunity to make a change,” said Ngongo.
