Private functions at schools are often used as a tool to raise funds for school activities, tours and other projects. The Department of Basic Education (DBE) will soon look to clarify the condition under which alcohol could be sold on school premises during private functions.
The sale of alcohol at these functions will be discussed in the National Assembly as DBE minister Angie Motshekga intended to introduce the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, 2021.
The bill will ‘refine the provisions relating to the possession of drugs on school premises or during school activities and to provide for conditions under which liquor may be possessed, sold or consumed on school premises or during school activities’.
National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa’s (NAPTOSA) Basil Manuel says the union will cautiously support the bill. This as it will provide framework and regulations as to who alcohol can be sold to and when this alcohol will be allowed to be sold.
He said, “We’ve got to accept that alcohol is part of general life in South Africa and that this has been happening at schools irrespective of whether we want it to happen or not. What is important is that now we have a set of guidelines and regulations and there is a measure of control”.
Manuel says that it is obvious that alcohol will not be sold to learners at school. This has been made clear. He explains the regulations around the sale of alcohol on school premises will allow people to do so responsibly.
NAPTOSA is not perturbed in fact we are happy that there are measures that can now be enforced
“I don’t think we must demonise something, if we try to demonize it, it will happen under our nose and we’ll have no control over it” concluded Manuel.
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