South Africa debates minimum unit pricing as alcohol harm sparks policy divide 

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa is intensifying efforts to address the severe consequences of harmful drinking, as policymakers and stakeholders debate potential strategies to curb the issue.  

Among the measures under consideration is the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), a policy that seeks to raise the price of alcohol in order to reduce excessive consumption.  

The proposal, however, has sparked sharp divisions across the industry, civil society, and advocacy groups. 

Non-profit organisation World Changers candidate Luca Mahlakgane strongly criticised the idea, arguing that much of the policy development process is influenced by alcohol companies themselves.  

“One of the issues we face is that much of the policy drafting is done by alcohol companies, which they then pass to Parliament for approval. From where we stand, the issue of alcohol is not even debatable,” he stated.  

Mahlakgane stressed that the impact of alcohol on communities is already visible in daily life, noting that drinking has become ingrained in South African culture and children are often exposed to it at an early age. 

Charlene Louw, CEO of the Beer Association of South Africa, warned that MUP may have unintended consequences. “South Africa is facing a real challenge in addressing the consequences of harmful drinking. We see it in our hospitals, on our roads, and in our communities. It’s a problem that demands decisive action, but not desperate shortcuts,” she said.  

Louw cautioned that raising prices disproportionately impacts low-income drinkers and could drive more consumers toward unregulated, illicit alcohol, which is cheaper but far more dangerous. 

The South African Breweries (SAB) has also entered the debate, revealing that it is engaging with government to find balanced solutions. The company emphasised the importance of protecting jobs and tax revenue while addressing the risks posed by illicit alcohol.  

SAB has called for a more predictable tax system that avoids excessive burdens on consumers and supports smaller brewers and innovation. “Key concerns raised include the excessive excise burden on beer, the risks of inflation-linked tax hikes, and the potential impact on the illicit alcohol trade,” the company stated. 

Adding another perspective, David Harrison, CEO of the DG Murray Trust, argued that the real harm lies in the industry’s practices rather than in regulatory proposals. He pointed out that many in poorer communities turn to alcohol as an escape from hardship due to the lack of recreational alternatives.  

“High rates of misery make it far harder for a person to ‘drink responsibly’ than someone experiencing the good life,” Harrison observed. 

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