New alcohol tax proposed for SA to assist road accident victims! Drinking and driving remains a leading cause of road accidents and fatalities in South Africa. The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) estimates that alcohol contributes to around 27% of road deaths. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for effective measures to combat the issue.
Government’s Efforts to Curb Drinking and Driving
The South African government has long relied on roadside tests, arrests, and fines as deterrents. However, Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa recently emphasized the need for additional strategies. Speaking in an interview with Newzroom Afrika, Hlengwa proposed linking alcohol sales taxes to the Road Accident Fund (RAF) to discourage drinking and driving.
The RAF, currently funded through a fuel tax levy of R2.18 per litre, has been struggling with a deficit of over R24 billion. Hlengwa suggested that introducing a direct levy on alcohol sales could deter irresponsible drinking behavior while providing much-needed financial relief to the RAF.
“If you hit the pocket, you make quite a significant stride towards ensuring that there is a second thought to how people conduct themselves and how they drink their alcohol,” said Hlengwa.
Visible Policing and Stricter Enforcement
Hlengwa also highlighted the importance of visible policing and ensuring consequences for offenders. He suggested stricter enforcement through the AARTO system (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses) to address both drunk drivers and intoxicated pedestrians.
Drunk pedestrians, according to Hlengwa, pose a significant threat to road safety. They often endanger themselves and force motorists to take sudden actions, increasing the risk of accidents.
Festive Season Road Deaths: A Grim Statistic
The recent festive season highlighted the devastating impact of alcohol on road safety. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy reported that 1,502 people died on South African roads during the 2024-2025 festive period, a 5.3% increase from the previous year.
Of these fatalities, a staggering 41% were pedestrians. Creecy also revealed that 3,840 motorists were arrested for drunk driving during this period.
Legal Consequences for Drinking and Driving
South Africa’s legal blood-alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05g or more per 100ml of blood. Violators face severe penalties:
- Fines: Up to R120,000 for drunk driving, with an additional R180,000 for cases involving culpable homicide.
- Licence Suspension: Courts have the discretion to suspend or cancel a driver’s licence for this offense.
The stringent penalties aim to deter drivers from operating vehicles under the influence. However, the rising number of alcohol-related road deaths suggests more robust measures may be necessary.
Potential Impact of Alcohol Sales Levies
Linking the RAF directly to alcohol sales could serve as both a deterrent and a financial remedy. By increasing the cost of alcohol, the government hopes to discourage excessive consumption. This approach may also prompt individuals to consider alternatives like public transport or designated drivers when drinking.
Additionally, redirecting funds from alcohol sales taxes to the RAF could help address its financial challenges. With a growing deficit and tensions with Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) over its accounting methods, the RAF is in dire need of sustainable funding solutions.
A Multifaceted Approach to Road Safety
Experts agree that addressing South Africa’s drinking and driving crisis requires a comprehensive strategy:
- Stricter Enforcement: Increased arrests and visible policing to deter offenders.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens about the dangers of drinking and driving.
- Targeting Drunk Pedestrians: Introducing measures to prevent pedestrian-related accidents.
- Financial Penalties: Exploring alcohol-related levies to fund road safety initiatives.
Conclusion
South Africa faces a monumental challenge in reducing alcohol-related road deaths. Proposals such as an alcohol sales levy and stricter enforcement represent a step in the right direction. However, addressing this issue will require ongoing collaboration between the government, law enforcement, and citizens to create a culture of responsibility on the roads.
Ultimately, reducing drinking and driving isn’t just about penalties or taxes—it’s about saving lives.
