Yesterday government officials, law enforcement leaders, industry executives, and community champions gathered at Artistry in Sandton to celebrate something rare: proof that collaboration works. AWARE.org hosted its Impact Celebration and 2026 Strategy Preview, showcasing a year of measurable progress in transforming how South Africa approaches alcohol consumption, while unveiling an ambitious roadmap to accelerate alcohol-harm reduction initiatives.
“This year has proven that when we work together with shared purpose, we create lasting change,” said Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. “In the past year, we have made significant strides in advancing our mission to reduce alcohol-related harm through evidence-based, collaborative action. We strengthened partnerships with key government entities, including the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Gauteng Department of Transport, Gauteng Liquor Board, and Eastern Cape Department of Social Development.”
Building on these partnerships, AWARE.org has expanded its on-the-ground impact across communities nationwide. Up to the third quarter of 2025, the organisation’s programmes reached over 112,000 learners and 14,500 parents through underage drinking interventions, supported 3,456 roadblocks resulting in 6,145 DUI arrests, and directly engaged more than 3,400 women through Sober Pregnancies initiatives.
“When we say we look at the world through the lens of all of society, we mean exactly that. We are not talking about “those people over there “or “those faraway communities.” We are talking about our children and our communities. Our work reflects that and must continue to do so if it’s to sustain the impact already achieved.
“Our impact is not just something we talk about. It’s recognised nationally and internationally through the Merit Award we’ve won at the MARK Awards, nominations at the Next Gen Awards and honours at the Shorty, Loerie, and Anthem Awards. Most importantly is recognised by the lives we touch,” added Thulo.
The evening was a recognition of the partners whose work is changing behaviours, reducing harm, and building safer communities. From NPOs and community-based organisations advocating for responsible consumption to law enforcement officers pioneering intervention approaches, to private sector organisations and industry players, the room reflected the breadth of commitment required to drive lasting change.
Delivering her keynote address, Deputy Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, commended AWARE.org’s holistic approach to prevention and empowerment, highlighting its contribution to government efforts to protect vulnerable groups, empower youth, and promote inclusion.
“The work we do is part of our moral compass. We must look at the care we show our fellow citizens and how that care is anchored in work we do and the kind of impact we can create.”
She continued, “If tonight teaches us anything, it is that real impact happens when communities, businesses, and government work together. From classrooms to media to road safety checkpoints and antenatal wards, our efforts are connected by a common thread, the pursuit of safety and dignity for all,” said Deputy Minister Letsike.
Those impacted most were people like Boitumelo Mahlangu, a youth sports coach who has partnered with AWARE.org through Altus Sport to help teach young people the dangers of underage drinking.
In an impassioned speech she said “Being AWARE is not just about wearing a t-shirt. It is in the action we take. It is about the impact we have on young people like this young man named Bikiri. When we met, he thought underaged drinking was cool. Now he helps me spread the message and wants to be a doctor. This is a boy who nearly dropped out when he was just 11.”
AWARE.org Chairperson Jordi Borrut-Bel reflected on the measurable progress made across the organisation’s core pillars and outlined the direction for 2026.
“Across our three pillars the story is the same. When people and institutions work together, behaviour changes, communities improve and lives get better. Tonight is not just about numbers it's about celebrating the lives we touch,” said Borrut-Bel.
Aware.org Implementation Partner Recognition Awards 2025
The celebration featured the Aware.org Implementation Partner Recognition Awards 2025, recognising partners who exemplified excellence across the three core focus areas:
#NoToU18 Pillar (Underage Drinking Prevention)
- Community Impact Award: SANCA Central - Ke Moja
- Innovation in Prevention Award: United Through Sports (UTS) and Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB)
Don’t Drink and Drive Pillar (Road Safety)
- Safe Roads Advocate Award: Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Police Department (NMBMPD) and Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD)
- Behaviour Change Leadership Award: Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC)
- Long-standing Law Enforcement Partner Award: Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)
Sober Pregnancies Pillar (FASD Prevention)
- Community Care Award: School of Hard Knocks (SoHK) - NxtGenWomxn for Mothers Programme
- Collaborative Action Award: Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR)
“The awards honour partners whose dedication has driven tangible impact and highlighted the important role of whole-of-society responsibility in achieving lasting transformation in our communities,” said Thulo.
AWARE.org's mandate to promote responsible consumption of alcohol and reduce its harmful use continues to gain traction through multi-sector collaboration.
The organisation’s approach recognises that lasting behaviour change requires sustained commitment from the alcohol value chain, government departments, law enforcement agencies, and community stakeholders working in concert.
Building on this collective effort, the 2026 strategy positions AWARE.org to scale successful interventions, forge new partnerships, and maintain the momentum that has characterised this year's progress.
AWARE.org’s 2026 strategy builds on a foundation of proven collaboration, measurable impact, and a growing network of committed partners across government, civil society, and industry. As the organisation scales its interventions and expands its reach, one message from the evening resonated above all: lasting behaviour change is only possible when every part of society moves together. With strengthened partnerships, empowered communities, and a clear roadmap ahead, AWARE.org enters 2026 poised to drive even greater progress in building a safer, healthier, more resilient South Africa.
