Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has expressed openness to stronger alcohol labelling, particularly regarding warnings related to the potential links between alcohol consumption and gender-based violence (GBV). However, he acknowledges that this would only be a small step toward tackling a much larger issue. Recently, the Makhanda High Court in the Eastern Cape raised concerns about alcohol’s role in violence, particularly domestic violence, after sentencing two men for murdering their partners. Judge Avinash Govindjee, in his ruling, pointed out that while alcohol is frequently a factor in intimate partner violence, current alcohol labels fail to address its connection to GBV.
Judge Govindjee urged the Health Minister to strengthen alcohol warning labels, citing a recurring theme in cases involving alcohol and violence. According to the judge, the current regulations, while listing alcohol as a major cause of violence and crime, do not specifically highlight the link between alcohol and GBV, including rape and murder in domestic relationships. Govindjee called for the inclusion of such warnings on labels to raise awareness, especially given the country’s ongoing efforts to address GBV.
Motsoaledi responded by saying that he was not aware of the specific judgment but would look into the matter. He noted that the Department of Health has already taken steps with tobacco regulations, which include graphic health warnings. However, he acknowledged that alcohol-related harm is more complex, and more extensive harm reduction strategies are needed. The Health Minister mentioned that an alcohol-focused act had been proposed but did not pass due to strong resistance, acknowledging that alcohol-related issues are deeply ingrained in society and much more challenging to address than tobacco.
While Motsoaledi considers the judge’s recommendation, he believes that simply adding warnings to labels might not result in significant change. He highlighted that public health interventions, like those on tobacco products, have had limited success in curbing harmful behaviors. In comparison, alcohol consumption is associated with more complex social issues, and the government is focusing on broader solutions.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) also recognizes the link between alcohol and GBV, with spokesperson Esther Lewis emphasizing that the department continues to provide services related to substance abuse and gender-based violence. These interventions include early prevention, treatment services, and support for GBV victims. The DSD also works on educating youth through life skills and substance use management programs to prevent risky behaviors.
The Southern African Alcohol Policy Alliance (SAAPA) has praised the judge’s recommendation and reiterated the importance of comprehensive alcohol labelling. SAAPA Secretary-General Aadielah Maker-Diedericks pointed to Ireland’s recent decision to mandate health warnings on all alcohol products by 2026, commending this approach as a model for South Africa. She emphasized the need for more explicit warnings about alcohol’s role in violence, citing research showing that alcohol is a significant factor in various forms of violence, including intimate partner violence, murder, and sexual abuse.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu also weighed in on the issue, emphasizing that while alcohol consumption does not excuse violent behavior, it is a known contributing factor to many violent crimes, including GBV. He called for continued collaboration across government, justice systems, and civil society to address the problem. Mchunu highlighted that tackling GBV requires a holistic approach, and the South African Police Service remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.
The call for stronger alcohol labelling and more robust regulation reflects a growing recognition of the connection between alcohol and GBV, a connection that has long been overlooked in public health discussions. However, as Motsoaledi and other government officials have pointed out, addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, with far-reaching policy changes beyond just altering product labels.
