The Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA), the industry body representing the legitimate alcohol sector, has continued to champion responsibility as the cornerstone of a sustainable, well-regulated alcohol environment. As South Africa concludes a pivotal year on the global stage, the DF-SA calls on all South Africans to place responsibility at the centre of every festive celebration.
Grounded in the themes echoed at the 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg — inclusive growth, youth safety and accountability, the DF-SA's Festive Season Campaign, 'Responsibility Never Takes a Holiday', aims to highlights the ongoing need for careful, responsible choices during times of rest and celebration, says the NPO.
"Responsibility is not seasonal; it is a shared standard we must uphold throughout the year," says Angela Russell, CEO of DF-SA. "We encourage every South African to approach the festive season with awareness, respect for the law and a commitment to safeguarding our communities through responsible consumption and trade."
As the country enters the year-end period, DF-SA encourages partners, traders and consumers to prioritise responsible practices:
- Corporates: Host celebrations that promote moderation and provide safe transport options, such as e-hailing or shuttle services. Responsible behaviour should be embedded in everyday organisational culture, not limited to festive activities.
- Traders: Verify customer IDs, adhere to licensing conditions, respect local trading hours, and ensure all stock is sourced from recognised, legitimate suppliers. Checking packaging, seals and barcodes remains essential to preventing the circulation of illicit or counterfeit products.
- Consumers: Purchase only from reputable outlets, routinely check labels and packaging and avoid products with suspicious pricing or appearance — such as damaged caps, inconsistent liquid levels, or poorly printed labels — which often indicate illegitimate goods.
- Parents and Communities: They play a decisive role in setting expectations for responsible behaviour among young people. By actively discouraging underage drinking, monitoring youth gatherings and promoting environments where alcohol access is controlled and lawful, they help reinforce a culture of responsibility.
"When the industry stands together in promoting responsible trade, informed choices and honest marketing, we strengthen the integrity of the legal alcohol sector and support safer communities. Responsibility is a shared commitment — and it never takes a holiday," concludes Sola Oke, Deputy Chairperson of DF-SA.
For more information, visit www.drinksfederationsa.co.za. You can also follow DF-SA on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on X.
*Image courtesy of contributor