Eastern Cape MEC condemns viral video of children consuming alcohol, social workers deployed

Eastern Cape social development MEC, Bukiwa Fanta, has condemned a viral video showing children consuming alcohol.

The video captures children sharing a green bottle of alcohol in the presence of adults during what appears to be a family gathering an incident the MEC has described as disturbing.

Fanta said this behaviour is unacceptable and poses serious risks to the health and wellbeing of young people.

Department spokesperson Mpumzi Zuzile said protecting children from harm is the responsibility of every adult in society.

"Allowing children to consume alcohol undermines their development and exposes them to a myriad of dangers including addiction, health issues and potential legal repercussions. It is troubling then to see an adult facilitating such behaviour, which sets a poor example and normalises dangerous actions," said Zuzile.

The MEC said social workers have been mobilised to identify the perpetrators.

"Our primary objective is also to identify the individuals involved, understand the context of the situation and implement appropriate interventions to protect the children affected."

Zuzile added that this behaviour runs the risk of leading children into substance abuse and addiction.