By Poelano Malema
Many South Africans are celebrating the lifting of the alcohol ban by President Cyril Ramaphosa, which was announced on Monday, 1 February.
#NowThatAlcoholIsBack has been trending on Twitter since the early hours of Tuesday morning.
My Mom decided to surprise my Dad with 12 ya Hansa and this was his reaction 😂😂😂#NowThatAlcoholIsBack pic.twitter.com/IhtYa2BIDI
— Yt :012Auntyyy (@Ketlhotse2) February 2, 2021
#NowThatAlcoholIsBack I will be drunk on 14th of February so I will never notice that am single pic.twitter.com/H3qeew0zbT
— Ramudzuli_Rams (@Ramudzu07188512) February 2, 2021
ALSO READ: Level 3 alcohol ban force hundreds more into unemployment
Basembeni 💃💃💃💃cant wait to hold my savi like this again #NowThatAlcoholIsBack pic.twitter.com/vHWGkOyWVv
— Princyy X (@Princes80783806) February 2, 2021
Even though the ban on alcohol has been lifted, government has urged citizens to drink responsibly to avoid the negative consequences of alcohol abuse.
Irresponsible drinking contributes to higher numbers of gender-based violence, road accidents, and when people are intoxicated, they might not follow the COVID-19 rules which are aimed at protecting their lives.
Twitter users have shared advice on how to drink responsibly.
#NowThatAlcoholIsBack let’s drink responsibly and adhere to health protocols.
— Self-taught Perfumer! (@Clenton_Selepe) February 2, 2021
#NowThatAlcoholIsBack ,NO!! to GBV❌,let’s protect our loved ones and drink Responsibly.Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/Tkzl1mAKdI
— TheBlackAssociate👨🏾⚖️⚖️ (@NativeResident) February 2, 2021
#NowThatAlcoholIsBack let's all be responsible of our actions. Let's not forget others make profit from Alcohol, so think twice before you act cause if they ban Alcohol again imagine how many families will suffer. Don't even try drinking and driving, request Uber! Siyezwana mus? pic.twitter.com/gyeyroN9Wi
— Cellular® (@Cellular_jnr) February 2, 2021
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Dietitian Sylven Masoga says one of the best ways to drink responsibly is to stick to the recommended amount of alcohol.
“As dietitians, we recommend that those who cannot stay away from alcohol should drink in moderation. Men must not drink more than 600ml beer and women 300ml beer. This is a daily intake and is strictly for beer. When it comes to wine, the limit is 125ml and a tot is 25ml. This is the amount that the body can tolerate,” he said.
He adds that those wanting to cut down should “avoid visiting liquor stores and going to places where people are drinking.”
More guidelines on responsible drinking:
• Having a glass of water in between drinks. This will help reduce dehydration and slow down the absorption of alcohol.
• Skip the drinking games and shots or drinks with high alcohol content.
• Do not drink and drive.
ALSO READ: Alcohol abuse in women is on the rise – learn your safe limit



