SAB launches reality series

South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry and the National Youth Development Agency, in 2012 launched its You Decide programme, which aims to tackle the pressing issue of underage drinking in South Africa.

According to the SAB Miller website, the programme has since its inception reached nearly half a million teenagers by way of road shows, competitions, lesson plans, a Facebook campaign, and 650 school visits. The new 13-part reality series is the next phase in the campaign.

‘Future Leaders’ follows five ordinary teenagers from different walks of life who resolve to stop drinking and instead embark on practical, sustainable projects in an effort to curb underage drinking in their communities.

It follows the adventures of Nkosana Banda from Gauteng, Thobile Phantshi from KwaZulu-Natal, Tayla Tomlinson from the Eastern Cape, Ndimphiwe Lwande from Mpumalanga, and Chriszelda Booysen from the Free State as they set out to achieve their goals with the help of parents, teachers, broader community members, relevant NGOs, and government institutions.

The teenagers inevitably face their fair share of difficulties, but their respective hardships hold valuable life lessons for both them and the audience.

“We are committed to playing our role as a responsible corporate citizen, as well as the largest liquor manufacturer in the country, to ensure we minimise alcohol abuse harm. The underage consumption of liquor ultimately threatens the future growth and development of our communities and our country,” said SAB’s executive director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation, Vincent Maphai, according to Media Update.

“Teenagers who are supported by informed teachers, parents, community members and their peers are able to make more positive choices in their lives, not only around abstaining from alcohol, but also by contributing positively to the betterment of others in their community.”

‘Future Leaders’ airs on SABC1 at 10pm every Tuesday, with repeat episodes on Sundays at 12:30pm.