With the festive season approaching, the agriculture sector is gearing up for delicious meals, joyous gatherings, and perhaps a celebratory drink. But amid the merriment, the South African Breweries (SAB) urges all citizens to prioritise safety with their #NoneForTheRoad campaign.
The call for responsible consumption comes as the SAB Drive Sharp programme reveals sobering statistics: over 8 500 arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) between January and November 2023. Gauteng tops the list with 6 576 arrests, followed by KwaZulu-Natal (1 175), Eastern Cape (722), and Limpopo (121).
These arrests were facilitated by a longstanding partnership between SAB and law enforcement agencies, utilising alcohol evidence centres (AECs) donated by the brewer. These mobile units are equipped with cutting-edge technology to administer evidential breath tests and confirm blood alcohol content levels. Medical professionals ensure proper test administration, and the evidence collected is admissible in court, leading to higher drunk driving prosecution rates.
Targeting hotspots
Zoleka Lisa, vice president of corporate affairs at SAB, emphasises the importance of this initiative: “With over 8 500 DUIs this year, SAB is committed to supporting law enforcement in deterring drink driving. By encouraging moderation and responsible behaviour, we can significantly improve road safety. We’ve recently deployed four additional mobile AECs to the existing 20 units, aiming for a safer festive season.”
SAB’s commitment is evident in its ongoing investment in AECs. As of December 2023, a total of 24 AECs operate across South Africa, with 10 brick-and-mortar units and 14 mobile units. The four new units, strategically placed in Free State, Western Cape, and Mpumalanga, will further enhance law enforcement’s reach in DUI hotspots.
“This partnership with law enforcement is crucial to increasing visibility and deterring drink driving during the festive season,” says Lisa. “We’re determined to drive a culture of responsible consumption nationwide.”
SAB recognises that AECs are just one piece of the puzzle. The brewer advocates for a multi-pronged approach encompassing awareness campaigns, effective educational programs, and broader societal dialogue on responsible alcohol consumption.
“Responsibility is woven into the fabric of our business,” concludes Lisa. “It guides our decisions, drives our actions, and fuels our commitment to a safer South Africa. As we celebrate this festive season, let’s raise a glass responsibly, and always remember: have none for the road.”
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