Promoting responsible alcohol behaviour through education, enforcement, and community collaboration.

AWARE.org, South Africa’s leading organization in promoting responsible alcohol consumption, has celebrated a highly impactful 2024, thanks to collaborative efforts with media, stakeholders, law enforcement, and communities. In a heartfelt message, the organization expressed gratitude for the media’s role in amplifying key campaigns addressing underage drinking, road safety, and sober pregnancies.

Key Milestones Achieved in 2024
AWARE.org’s campaigns yielded remarkable results, demonstrating the power of a “whole-of-society” approach:

Road Safety:
– Over 5,500 roadblocks were conducted nationwide, resulting in 6,000 arrests for driving under the influence. Advanced Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing (eBAT) machines enhanced alcohol testing accuracy, providing admissible evidence for court convictions.
– Rehabilitation Focus: Eligible offenders were referred to NICRO rehabilitation programs, emphasizing long-term behavioural change.
– Youth Engagement: More than 110,000 young people and parents/caregivers participated in community-based interventions to combat underage drinking.
– These achievements not only surpassed expectations but also laid the groundwork for sustained positive impact across South Africa.

Building on Success for 2025
Looking ahead, AWARE.org is gearing up to strengthen partnerships and deepen its community engagement:

Road Safety Initiatives: Collaborations with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and metro police in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and eThekwini aim to instil safer road practices among new and young drivers.

NOtoU18 Campaign:

AWARE.org will continue its efforts to discourage underage drinking through enhanced school and community outreach programs.
Sober Pregnancies Awareness: The organization will emphasize the importance of sober pregnancies for healthier future generations, targeting both pregnant individuals and society at large.

A Call for Continued Collaboration
AWARE.org’s success underscores the importance of unified efforts in tackling alcohol misuse. The organization has reaffirmed its commitment to innovative campaigns and impactful partnerships in 2025. “Together, we can achieve greater results and build a safer, healthier society,”