Latest Updates

This Valentine’s Day, AWARE.org shifts the focus beyond romance to highlight the vital role of family support in shaping young people’s choices, particularly in preventing underage drinking.

Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to, and the results we’re delighted to share with you.

This festive season, AWARE.org’s innovative road safety campaign draws inspiration from reality TV to reveal the devastating consequences of drunk driving. Through stories of regret and loss, the campaign delivers a powerful message: make smarter choices and ensure joy, not tragedy, on South Africa’s roads.

This Transport Month, AWARE.org intensifies its commitment to road safety with a series of impactful #DontDrinkandDrive initiatives. Collaborating with RTMC, JMPD, and NICRO, these efforts aim to reduce road incidents and foster a culture of responsible alcohol use across South Africa.

As South Africans face rising mental health challenges, many turn to alcohol for relief, creating a vicious cycle that worsens emotional distress. AWARE.org urges responsible alcohol consumption and highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues head-on.

AWARE.org calls on all South Africans to honour Heritage Month by fostering responsible alcohol consumption through the spirit of Ubuntu. Their initiatives focus on sober pregnancies, underage drinking prevention, and road safety, working with stakeholders across the country to build a safer, healthier future for all.

South Africa faces a critical challenge with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), a preventable condition with a national prevalence rate of 11%. AWARE.org, in partnership with FARR, is launching the "Reveal the Truth" campaign to raise awareness, promote alcohol-free pregnancies, and support at-risk communities.

This Women's Month, Aware.org honors the remarkable women driving harm reduction in the alcohol industry. These professionals, who are also mothers, daughters, and friends, dedicate themselves to creating safer communities and fostering positive change. Their stories inspire us to join their mission for a healthier, more compassionate world.

AWARE.org convened a crucial roundtable at GIBS Business School on 26 July 2024, addressing the issue of underage drinking in South Africa. Representatives from various sectors discussed the alarming statistic that 19.9% of youth report consuming alcohol by age 13, underscoring the need for collective action.

In the first half of 2024, AWARE.org's initiatives have significantly increased awareness about the dangers of underage drinking, with a 59% rise in knowledge among participants and 71% committing to reduce or abstain from alcohol. The success of these programmes, including the ICAN Programme by SANCA National and the Golden Harvest Underage Drinking Rehabilitation Programme, highlights the impact of targeted interventions in fostering healthier choices among young people.

Our team is thrilled to share the start of the exciting #MakersOfTomorrow campaign that is geared to amplify AWARE.org’s flagship #NOtoUnder18 pillar to all stakeholders. You’ll be hearing about why and how we’re addressing underage drinking across radio, television, print, online media as well as the gaming space.

Amidst the echoes of bravery from 1976, today's challenge is clear: tackle underage drinking to secure our youth's futures. AWARE.org leads the charge, turning the page with Skeem Saam to rewrite the narrative on responsible choices.

AWARE.org's "Drunk Drivers Stay Free" campaign has taken the world by storm, winning prestigious international awards and proving that South African NGOs can lead impactful social change with creativity and innovation. The campaign's clever mock travel ads, highlighting the harsh reality of spending the holidays in jail due to drunk driving, captured massive attention. Garnering over 39,000 interactions, reaching 10 million radio listeners, and achieving a media reach valued at R216 million, this initiative showcases the power of bold partnerships and imaginative strategies in promoting road safety.

True freedom isn't just about breaking chains; it's about empowering our youth to make informed choices. As South Africa celebrates Freedom Day, let's reflect on safeguarding the freedoms of tomorrow. Join us in saying #NOToUnderageDrinking and building a brighter future for our youth.

Step into the virtual bar, toss back a few drinks, and then buckle up for a sobering reality check. Aware.org's Drunk Goggles simulator isn't just another game; it's a life-saving wake-up call. Say goodbye to misconceptions and hello to hard-hitting truths about the dangers of driving under the influence. Are you ready to be part of the revolution in road safety?

Your life can take a turn… Just like that. Don’t drink and drive, you will get caught.

30 years of democracy, 30 years of progress – and the journey continues. As South Africa marks Human Rights Day, Carmen Mohapi, Managing Director of Aware.org, calls for a renewed focus on alcohol harm reduction to safeguard the rights to health and safety for all.

As National Pregnancy Awareness Week approaches (10-16 February), Aware.org takes a crucial stand against Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Partnering with the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research, we're committed to reducing birth defects caused by alcohol during pregnancy. South Africa faces the highest reported rate of FASD globally, a pressing public health concern. Carmen Mohapi, Managing Director of Aware.org, emphasizes, 'No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.' Let's break the stigma, support pregnant women, and decrease FASD births. Join us during National Pregnancy Awareness Week and World Birth Defects Day to make a meaningful impact on countless lives.

"Embrace the New Year with a toast to responsibility! As the holiday vibes fade, Carmen Mohapi, Managing Director of Aware.org, urges us to carry the positive energy into 2024 by committing to responsible drinking.

A time for the new, let's celebrate!

Celebrate the holidays responsibly this year! Choose the #AlwaysOn mindset over the #IrresponsibleOffender label. Imagine the cheer if road accidents halved—our collective actions matter. Let's steer clear of alcohol behind the wheel, making roads safer for everyone. Join the movement towards responsible driving—it's a journey worth taking. From designated offender to responsible driver, the choice is ours. Let's make this holiday season merry and safe for all!

Unlock Unforgettable Deals: Don't Drink and Drive, Stay for Free This Festive Season! 🚫🍻 Embrace a vacation, not a violation. Read how our campaign with DaddysDeals turns a serious message into a summer reminder. Your safety matters! #DriveResponsibly #StaySafe

“We know that many young people may feel pressured to experiment with alcohol, especially after what many have experienced as a stressful year,” said Carmen Mohapi, MD of Aware.org.

Navigate responsibly through South Africa's roads – the choice is yours: Designated Driver or Designated Offender? Irresponsible drinking and driving are avoidable, and the statistics prove it. Join the collective effort with Aware.org in enforcing safety measures and embracing evidential blood alcohol testing.

"October Transport Month: Driving Change and Saving Lives in Gauteng! Together, we're moving South Africa forward, one sober road at a time."

South Africa's sobering truth: We lead the world in prenatal alcohol consumption and bear the heavy burden of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It's time to unite our efforts, improve awareness and step up action for the wellbeing of our children.

Amid nature's symphony of colour and warmth, spring beckons us with renewal and connection. Join Aware.org in embracing this vibrant season mindfully, celebrating responsibly while blossoming in the company of friends and family.

South African children's futures should sparkle, not drown. Shockingly, research reveals that alcohol touches their lives as early as age 13. In the battle against underage drinking, Aware.org and Altus Sport join forces, striving to be the beacon of change.

As Youth Month dawns, let's illuminate the shadows cast upon our future. Beyond skills and jobs, we must combat the shadows of underage alcohol consumption that threaten our youth's potential. A united effort is our beacon of hope.

We are the sixth-highest consumers of alcohol globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

We are focusing on the risk to pedestrians who are not easily seen, especially at night when over half of the fatal incidents happen.

Between now and the first week of May, much of South Africa will be taking a well-earned holiday break. After more than 750 days, the National State of Disaster has been lifted, raising people's spirits. Most of us believe – and rightly so – that we deserve some serious downtime.