A viral video showing young children drinking alcohol in the Eastern Cape has sparked outrage across South Africa.
The footage shows children believed to be between six and 12 years old drinking from alcohol bottles while adults watch. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the Eastern Cape Department of Social Development.
MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, described the video as disturbing and unacceptable. She said the safety and wellbeing of children must always come first, especially during the festive season when alcohol abuse increases.
Fanta confirmed that social workers have been deployed to investigate the incident. They are working to identify those responsible and to understand the circumstances in which the video was recorded.
The department said its priority is to protect the affected children and ensure the necessary interventions are put in place.
Community members with information have been urged to come forward.
Fanta warned that exposing children to alcohol puts their health and development at risk and could lead to legal action against the adults involved.
The incident has once again raised concerns about child protection and the responsibility of caregivers to prevent underage drinking.
