Youth voices in alcohol policy processes in South Africa
04 May 2018
Drivers:
Read the full impact case study here
Alcohol misuse remains a major problem amongst South African youth and contributes to sexual health risks including HIV and sexual assault. Action at community and structural level is needed to ensure that youth live in environments which protect them from early and excessive alcohol consumption.
The Soul City Institute for Social Justice (SCI), a STRIVE partner, conducted participatory research and geographic information system (GIS) mapping of alcohol outlets and outdoor advertising, to produce evidence on the availabilty and advertising of alcohol in two communities in South Africa. Participatory methods were used to explore the impact of alcohol availability and marketing on young people. As a result of SCI’s engagement with government, NGO (non-governmental organisations) and research stakeholders at many levels – from local community to national and global – the study findings have been taken up in campaigns for alcohol legislation to restrict and possibly ban alcohol advertising in South Africa.
