Problem gambling has been on the rise, and the fact that people still continue to be bombarded by gambling adverts does not help [1]. Those who want to stop are constantly being tempted to gamble because these ads are everywhere. We need the department to act, and quickly. References [1] Problem gambling rises across South Africa by Aniedi Ekwere for Find More Africa, 12 August 2026.

Right now, Treasury is considering how to tax alcohol for the next 10 years. This will mean increased taxes to reduce consumption and harm from alcohol. But the alcohol industry is fighting back to protect its profits. If enough of us come together, we can send Treasury a clear message that they must put people before profit.   Alcohol causes harm in so many ways. From fueling violence to clouding people’s judgment so much that they end up drinking and then driving or committing crimes. Alcohol misuse burdens our public health system, diverts police and traffic enforcement resources,  and increases social welfare costs.   Alcohol tax can be used to help fix the damage that alcohol causes. This means that more money can be put in the public services purse to help deal with the harm that alcohol causes.   That extra Fund tax can be used for: 1.  Jobs and for community programmes - We have a high unemployment rate as a country; our youth are idle, with nothing to do in their communities because community programmes are scarce. The tax collected can not only create jobs but also fund community, sports and recreational programmes that young people can engage in instead of drinking.  2. Treatment centres - There aren’t enough public rehabilitation centres in this country to match the level of alcohol use that happens. Even when people want to stop drinking, there are simply not enough places they can go to for support. We need to build more treatment centres, and the tax can be used for this. Let us come together to save our communities from the harm that is caused by alcohol.  Let us come together to save our communities from the harm that is caused by alcohol.