World Changers Candidates, an organisation dedicated to fighting the surge of drugs and alcohol abuse and illicit trafficking has launched an online appeal (petition) calling for the removal of clause 8 section 8A of the Basic Education Law Amendment (BELA Bill) which proposes for schools to be allowed to have alcohol sold on premises for fund-raising purposes. The proposed change has a deadline extension for written submission set for August 15 , 2022.
“We strongly urge the Basic Education portfolio that the proposal of this clause be completely removed from Bela Bill,” says Lucas Mahlakgane, chairperson of World Changers Candidates, adding. “NO DRUGS in any form under any circumstances should be allowed at our School.
Alcohol abuse is rampant in South Africa and the well-being of learners is already at risk, classic case being the Enyobeni tavern tragedy, a scene of devastation and chaos which claimed the life of 22 underage teens.
Even if the storage and use of alcohol on school premises is properly monitored, the organisation argues that children may still encounter adults under the influence.
“If passed, it’s clear that the harm this amendment may cause far outweighs any benefits it may bring, and that the situation of drugs in our school will get worse and the consequences will be dire,” Mahlakgane insists.
Change.org school alcohol sale appeal: Add your voice
The World Changers Candidates invites all concerned South African citizens to take this opportunity to contribute in shaping the laws which will apply to Schooling in South Africa for the foreseeable future, and “help make South Africa a drug free society and a safe place for children, our future leaders”.
You can add your voice by visiting Change.org platform, and signing the petition (https://chng.it/rtXyn7hnSF) before the proposed August 15 deadline.
 to remove alcohol sale in schools on BELA Bill is now live. Add your voice, help make S.Africa drug free Sign it before August 15 deadline.){kind=link}