NASGB ‘101% behind’ decision to ban alcohol sales at public schools in EC
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has banned the sale and consumption of alcohol on all public school premises.
CapeTalk’s John Maytham speaks with Matakanye Matakanye, National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) secretary-general.
Listen below:
The Eastern Cape will no longer allow alcohol sales or consumption at public schools.
This ban aligns with the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act and the South African Schools Act, both of which restrict alcohol at educational institutions.
Some parents and schools argue this will cut off essential avenues for fundraising.
For decades 38 Quintile 5 schools in the province have relied on licensed alcohol sales at school events to raise funds for maintenance, bursaries, and development.
They argue that the controlled sale of alcohol to adults at these functions poses no risk to the learners.
However, Matakanye says the NASGB fully supports the ban, and is fundamentally against the sale of alcohol at schools.
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“We are 101% behind them.”
- Matakanye Matakanye, NASGB Secretary-General
He adds that our country battles with alcohol abuse, and we should not be encouraging this type of behaviour around children.
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