Understand the Evidence

Know the Problem to Change It

The impact of alcohol harm is real, measurable, and preventable.
Here, we unpack the research so everyone, from concerned parents to policymakers, can understand what’s at stake.

Alcohol and health

South Africa has one of the world’s highest rates of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), with 1 in 5 children affected in parts of the Northern Cape. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen responsible for cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, colon, and breast. Globally, it accounts for 3.6% of cancer cases and 3.5% of cancer deaths. South Africans drink an average of 11 litres of pure alcohol per person per year, the highest on the continent.

Alcohol and inequality

Alcohol harm is concentrated in townships. Although 33.1% of adults across South Africa drink, poorer communities face heavier burdens. Among drinkers, 43% are heavy drinkers (five or more drinks per occasion), and 60% of alcohol-related deaths occur in low-income groups compared to 15% in wealthier ones. Targeted measures like minimum pricing, tighter trading hours, and regulating illegal shebeens can help close this gap.

Alcohol and young people

Alcohol use is rising among youth: 25.1% of Grade 8–11 learners report recent binge drinking, and around 25% of 15–19-year-olds have consumed alcohol. Early, heavy drinking harms developing brains, doubles the risk of risky sex, and increases accidents and violence among unemployed youth.

Alcohol and violence

In townships, late-night weekend alcohol use drives a spike in violent crime and homicide. 43% of adult drinkers are heavy consumers, accounting for most of South Africa’s annual 400 million litres of pure alcohol. Policy tools like minimum unit pricing, trading-hour limits, and advertising bans are proven to reduce alcohol-caused violence and save lives.

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Knowledge That Moves With You

Infographics

See the Bigger Picture

Alcohol and Cancer - Acohol Myths
Alcohol and Liver Disease - Rethink your Drink
Alcohol and heart Disease - Rethink your Drink - South Africa
Alcohol and Mental Health - alcohol and youth health