92 new graduates announced for Tavern Intervention Programme

TIP is a programme run in partnership with Men for Development in South Africa (MEDSA) and is aimed at tackling violence against women and children, as well as the spread of HIV/AIDS, which can result from the abuse of alcohol. The programme targets men who have been identified by law enforcement and community members as offenders of these social crimes. These men are targeted in the places they frequent, often South Africa's local taverns.

Participants included men who have personally experienced the effects of social ills and ambassadors from the KwaMashu community, who will spread the issues dealt with in the TIP workshops.

Ambassadors of change

"SAB wants to be part of the solution by not only addressing the symptoms of the problem, but also by targeting its source. Empowering men with the necessary information to become ambassadors of change will mean a better life for their families and entire communities and, ultimately, for all of South Africa.

"We are deeply proud of the men who have embraced the opportunity for change and a better life," said Greg Uys, GM of SAB's East Coast Region.

SAB works closely with industry experts and other key stakeholders to put measures in place to fight alcohol abuse in South Africa. The company believes that targeted interventions focusing on drinking patterns associated with harm are the most effective way to tackle alcohol abuse.

Support groups

The TIP graduates will now become ambassadors of change, which will meet once a month. There they are able to discuss and share problems or be referred to an expert organisation, such as SANCA, FAMSA or social workers for further intervention. Behavioural changes in the men are tracked through these support groups.

The men are encouraged to sign a pledge of commitment to be ambassadors of change and champions within their community, transferring their new-found knowledge to others. In this way, they are able to multiply the positive effects of the TIP.