Page 14 - BOPHELO - Life - 2026

which implicitly frames alcohol use as acceptable and even
expected. Crucially, this early exposure often involves Community leadership as prevention
binge drinking, defined as the consumption of large
quantities of alcohol within a short period. Extensive South Providing alcohol to minors communicates a powerful
African and international research demonstrates that early social message: that underage drinking is permissible
alcohol use has significant developmental consequences. within the community. This perception persists even
Adolescence is a critical period of neurological, emotional, though many elders do not support or condone the
and social development. Alcohol consumption during this practice. The contradiction between private disapproval
stage disrupts brain maturation and is associated with and public practice emphasises the need for collective
long-term impairments in cognitive function, emotional dialogue and leadership.
regulation, and decision-making. Educational outcomes
are also affected. Consistent alcohol misuse among There is an urgent role for Injoli Zelali, ceremony hosts,
adolescents is strongly linked to poor school attendance, traditional leaders, councillors, and faith leaders to initiate
declining academic performance, and increased dropout community-wide discussions aimed at discontinuing the
rates, patterns that have been documented in many rural provision of alcohol to minors. Such action should not be
communities in the Eastern Cape. These outcomes further framed as an erosion of culture, but rather as a reaffirmation
constrain future employment prospects and perpetuate of cultural values that prioritise the protection, dignity, and
cycles of poverty and marginalisation. future well-being of young people. Health authorities also
have a critical role to play. The Department of Health and
The risks are not evenly distributed. Research shows healthcare practitioners serving rural villages, including
that underage drinking among boys is associated with nurses and health promoters, should strengthen targeted
heightened aggression and physical violence, including health education initiatives that address the risks of early
weapon-related assaults involving knives, machetes, or alcohol exposure. These efforts are most effective when
axes. Among adolescent girls and young women, harmful undertaken in partnership with communities, respecting
alcohol use significantly increases vulnerability to sexual cultural contexts while clearly communicating scientific
violence and coercion. Lowered inhibitions associated evidence.
with intoxication are linked to unplanned sexual activity,
multiple concurrent partnerships, reduced condom use, Safeguarding adolescents does not require abandoning
and increased risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually tradition. Rather, it calls for thoughtful adaptation,
transmitted infections, including HIV. ensuring that cultural practices continue to serve
their intended purpose: strengthening communities,
Within this context, the ceremonial provision of alcohol honouring heritage, and supporting the healthy transition
does more than mark celebration; it becomes a pathway of young people into adulthood.
into sustained patterns of risk that extend well beyond the
event itself.

12 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL