From 26 – 28 September, representatives from SANCA, SAAPA and RDSP, in collaboration with the Lesedi Solar Park Trust returned to the towns of Postmasburg, Danielskuil, and Lime Acres to share findings and foster dialogue regarding recently completed research on alcohol abuse within these communities. Organisers believe that these informative sessions will prove to be a vital step towards addressing the issue.

Alcohol abuse is a growing concern in Northern Cape communities. To tackle this complex problem effectively, community involvement and understanding are key. 

The sessions began with the facilitators providing feedback on research that was conducted on their previous visit to the towns. The aim of that particular research was to determine the leading causes of alcohol abuse. Community members were then divided into groups that were able to move around to different stations to discuss different causes of alcohol abuse and possible solutions..

These sessions in Postmasburg, Danielskuil, and Lime Acres demonstrate that progress can be made when trust is established, and the power is placed in the hands of the people. By working together, these communities are taking steps towards understanding and combating alcohol abuse. We believe that in time collective action can drive positive change.

The results of the research and these discussions will inform a strategy to address the issue going forward and will be shared with other stakeholders. This research has allowed the communities of these towns to rally together and make their perspectives, opinions and solutions heard and to ensure that the solutions that will be implemented will fit that particular community and its needs.

Once the research report is available, it will be disseminated by the Trust.