66% of learners admit to drinking alcohol

Loyiso Langeni

23 April 2013

The Medical Research Council released a survey which showed a high prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse amongst youth. 

MEC of Social Development Albert Fritz said the findings by the MRC was interesting as it showed that among young people particularly in grades 8-10’s alcohol use was the highest, with 66 percent of learners admitting to consuming alcohol.

Fritz added that tobacco use was used by 47.4% of learners and 23% have experimented with dagga.

Furthermore Fritz explained what is even more interesting is the use of tik that ranges to a lower 2% rate.

“As Western Cape government we can now plan and prioritize our errors and target particular areas.” Fritz added