The City of Tshwane, through Tshwane Metropolitan Police Department (TMPD), in collaboration with AWARE.org have signed a five-year memorandum of agreement (MoA) focused on reducing drinking and driving incidents through collective efforts, targeted interventions and awareness campaigns.
The MOA was handed over at a meeting attended by the TMPD, City of Tshwane and AWARE.org executive team at the TMPD headquarters in Tshwane.
AWARE.org is the primary alcohol harm reduction organisation in South Africa. Their programmes target specific areas of harmful alcohol use, including underage drinking, consuming alcohol during pregnancy, and road safety.
Drinking and driving remains a serious social issue in the City of Tshwane and the whole country. Tackling this national challenge calls for a united effort – from law enforcement and communities to businesses and civil society. Together we can shift individual behaviours and help shape a safer, more responsible drinking culture across the country.
Speaking at the MOA handover meeting , AWARE.org CEO, Mokebe Thulo said that “this partnership seeks to develop coordinated strategies that will not only reduce harm caused by alcohol and substance abuse but also strengthen preventative efforts through education, enforcement, and community engagement”.
TMPD and Aware.Org are committed to working together to foster safer communities by addressing root causes and supporting proactive interventions. This initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to combat social ills and improve quality of life, particularly for vulnerable groups.
The MoA is aligned to the City’s strategic priorities that encompass a business-friendly city that promotes employment and economic growth, maintenance and expansion of road infrastructure and public transportation and a professional and accountable public service.
“Our agreement with AWARE.org will serve as a foundation framework to promote community safety and resilience by mitigating the detrimental impacts of alcohol misuse and abuse on individuals and society. This opportunity will advance road safety by enabling more frequent as well as more efficient and effective roadblocks,” says Yolande Faro, TMPD Chief.
The collaboration will involve participation in road safety programmes, including education and awareness campaigns to promote responsible behaviour. It will include the use of Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing (EBAT) to ensure that breathalyser evidence collected at roadblocks is legally admissible in court. In addition, the partnership will facilitate programmatic gatherings and the exchange of information related to the use and abuse of alcohol.
Sola Oke, Managing Director for Pernod Ricard Africa, Board Member at AWARE.org and the lead for the organisation’s #Don’tDrinkandDrive pillar, welcomed the agreement, emphasising the importance of coordinated stakeholder engagement and multi-agency operations.
“The visibility of TMPD and joint roadblocks with other law enforcement agencies should be intensified to reduce alcohol-related risks, prevent injuries, accidents and violence and ensure the proactive protection of all road users,” says Oke.
"Alcohol harm reduction is not the responsibility of any single sector – it is a collective duty. By working together across sectors, industries, communities, and households, we can create a culture where responsible choices are the norm, and where support is available for those who need it. Together, we can build a future where alcohol harm is significantly reduced, and healthier lifestyles are within everyone's reach," concludes Thulo.
This MoA represents more than just a formal agreement – it’s a united front against the harmful effects of alcohol misuse on South African roads and in communities. By reinforcing accountability, promoting responsible drinking, and increasing the visibility of enforcement efforts, the City of Tshwane and AWARE.org are paving the way toward a safer, more resilient society.
