KZN Health MEC Simelane's stern warning: Protect children from alcohol consumption
Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has said that giving alcohol to a child or encouraging a child to drink alcohol is abuse.
Image: File
KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane has issued a strong New Year’s Eve and festive season warning against adults who give alcohol to children or encourage them to drink, describing the practice as “disgraceful, dangerous, irresponsible, and harmful to children’s development and safety.”
Addressing community members at Madadeni in the Amajuba District this week, MEC Simelane said she was deeply disturbed by a video circulating on social media that shows adults encouraging young children to consume alcohol while being filmed.
“We can’t sacrifice our children for social media content creation,” she said, adding that such conduct amounts to abuse.
“Let me be very clear. Giving alcohol to a child or encouraging a child to drink alcohol is abuse. It damages their brain, it endangers their lives, and it robs them of the protection that every child deserves.”
According to the MEC, the video depicts children, some appearing to be as young as five years old, standing in a line holding alcoholic drinks while adults laugh and record the scene. Some of the children appear visibly uncomfortable.
“This is not a joke. This is not harmless fun. A child's body cannot process alcohol in the same way as an adult's body,” she said. “Even a small amount of alcohol can poison a child and lead to vomiting, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, and even death.”
Simelane explained that alcohol consumption in childhood interferes with brain development, memory, learning, emotional regulation, and physical growth. She warned that early exposure also increases the risk of alcohol addiction, mental health challenges, and risky behaviour later in life.
“When adults introduce children to alcohol, it’s a disgrace. A huge disgrace, because they are not teaching them to be responsible. Instead, they are teaching them that self-harm is normal and that harmful behaviour is entertainment. But children must be protected rather than exposed,” she said. “Our communities must draw a clear line and say we will not sacrifice our children’s health for so-called content creation, entertainment, or attention.”
The MEC also used the platform to reiterate the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, saying the Department of Health has a responsibility to speak out because of the serious harm involved.
“When a woman drinks while she’s pregnant, she jeopardises the health, development, and wellbeing of that unborn child,” she said. “There is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Not even one sip. Alcohol can cause lifelong brain damage and physical disabilities in an unborn child.”
Beyond alcohol-related concerns, Simelane urged residents to behave responsibly during the remainder of the festive season and into the new year.
“We call on people to reduce excessive drinking, reject drugs and gangsterism, and take responsibility for their sexual behaviour so that we prevent unplanned pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV,” she said.
During the same event, the MEC welcomed the official introduction of Lenacapavir, a long-acting HIV prevention injection taken only twice a year, describing it as a major advancement in the fight against HIV.
Known colloquially as “uLena,” the injection is expected to be available at healthcare facilities across KwaZulu-Natal from February 2026.
“Lenacapavir gives people an additional, powerful option to protect themselves against HIV, especially those who struggle with taking pills every day,” Simelane said.
However, she cautioned that the injection should not be seen as permission to engage in risky behaviour.
“It does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; and it does not prevent unplanned pregnancy. People must still use condoms, still act responsibly, and still protect themselves and their partners,” she said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health said the MEC’s message forms part of ongoing efforts to protect children, promote responsible behaviour, and safeguard public health during high-risk periods such as the festive season.