BCC WELLNESS CLUSTER PARTNERS WITH EC LIQUOR BOARD TO LAUNCH ALCOHOL AWARENESS AMBASSADORS

The Buffalo City Campus (BCC) Wellness Cluster, in collaboration with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB), recently unveiled a cohort of alcohol awareness ambassadors during a launch of the Ambassadorship Harm Reduction Programme held at the Potsdam Site Great Hall.

The initiative, consisting of Health Services and Counselling Unit, is aimed at promoting responsible drinking and raising awareness about the importance of alcohol safety within BCC.

This important partnership, established under the theme “Don’t drown your future! Drink Responsibly!” marked a proactive step, by both partners, towards fostering a healthier and safer campus environment for all students.

The Deputy Director of the Wellness Cluster, Prince Dabula, extended a warm welcome to a packed audience consisting of both internal and external stakeholders that included WSU students, staff, SAPS, Eastern Cape Department of Transport, Masimanyane, SAB, Higher Health, and Social Development, to the launch.

“I hope that you all enjoy this programme as it’s meant to empower and support our students. Our country, in general, and WSU, in particular, has a challenge of substance use and abuse, and it is more glaring as time goes by.”

“Let me also indicate that, as WSU, we have a very good relationship with the liquor board, and because of these good relations, we together with our partners have made sure that the launch of this programme takes place across all campuses, including BCC here today,” said Dabula.  

In outlining the purpose of the day, ELCB spokesperson, Dr Mgwebi Msiya, offered strong words of encouragement to the newly appointed ambassadors.

“As ambassadors, part of your responsibility is to empower other students on the proper use of alcohol. You must also take this message beyond the boundaries of this university and spread it to your communities and families as well.”

“Do also report liquor outlets around the university that cause chaos for its students, so that we can close them. You are the leaders of tomorrow, and you must use this opportunity to sharpen your skills,” said Msiya.

During the program, the BCC Drama society captivated the audience with a powerful drama piece that highlighted the many dangerous situations, such as sexual assault, that many women may encounter, particularly when under the influence of alcohol.

By Sisipho Qwenga