Shoppers queue to buy alcohol at the Makro Liquor Store, Strubensvalley in Roodepoort, 1 June 2020, on the first day South Africa moved to level 3 lockdown as part of its efforts to curb the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Michel Bega
Following the liquor drought, the gates of joy were opened and all were in attendance.
The party was just short of the bouncers to remind revellers that life would need to continue past 1 June.
Following the lifting of the ban on Monday on the sale of alcohol, arrests have been made and lives lost through irresponsible (drunk) behaviour.
Is this the new normal?
There have been complaints of the government treating its citizens like children by banning the sale of alcohol so as not to put more pressure on the healthcare system.
True to form, what was prophesised came true.
The very same citizens who wanted their liberties were suddenly too inebriated to act like responsible adults.
The same people who complained that schools were not ready to take back their kids put themselves at risk by flocking in their numbers to Tops because they were parched.
A few flighted adverts here and there are no real substitute for the real education of the masses.
We now know that in order to reduce transmission, we need three things: physical distancing, regular washing of hands withsoap/sanitizer and disinfecting of surfaces.
All these lessons and the rhetoric fell by the wayside because some thirsty throats needed to get their fix.
Even members of the population who receive social grants were party to the drinking and splurging on liquor.
Who am I to speak on people’s preferences and possible addictions to substances?
I am a concerned member of a public who must experience the hangover of a nation drunk on the ills of a lack of self-control as a result of the lifting of a ban on the sale of a product that causes mayhem.
In times of disease, domestic violence, alcohol-fuelled brawls and road carnage as a result of driving and even walking under the influence must now be factors to be considered.
It leaves me exhausted. We need to get our priorities right, South Africa.
Some people are too scared to go back to work for fear of contracting Covid-19 but are healthy enough to gather outside liquor outlets to quench their thirst.
It makes no sense!
Kekeletso Nakeli-Dhliwayo.
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