Yesterday, The South African Breweries (SAB) convened government, law enforcement, business and civil society leaders to advance public-private partnerships aimed at improving road safety and reducing alcohol -related harm in South Africa.
The engagement, held as part of SAB’s Cheers to Responsibility Week, focused on translating collaboration into measurable action through SAB Sharp, the company’s responsible consumption platform built on three pillars: educate, enforce and innovate.
A key focus was road safety, where partnerships are already supporting stronger enforcement outcomes. Through its Responsible Driving Programme, SAB has supported the establishment of 34 alcohol evidence centres nationwide, invested more than R52 million in Alcohol Evidence Centres and roadblocks, and contributed to enforcement initiatives associated with over 60 000 drinking and driving arrests since 2022.
These interventions demonstrate the role that coordinated public-private partnerships can play in strengthening enforcement capabilities, improving evidence collection and supporting the prosecution of drinking and driving offences.
Speaking at the event, SAB Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Zoleka Lisa emphasised the importance of moving beyond commitments to measurable impact. “At SAB, responsibility is embedded in how we do business. Through SAB SHARP, we are investing in initiatives that educate, strengthen enforcement and drive innovation to reduce alcohol-related harm. But meaningful progress requires more than good intentions. It requires partnerships that translate shared commitments into tangible action and measurable outcomes. By combining the expertise and resources of government, business, law enforcement and communities, we can make a meaningful contribution to safer roads and communities.”
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who delivered the keynote address, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in improving road-safety outcomes: “Road safety is not the responsibility of government alone. Sustainable change happens when government, business, academia, law enforcement and communities come together behind evidence-based solutions. Public-private partnerships are not simply about sharing resources; they are about combining expertise, accountability and innovation to create lasting impact. Through collaboration, we can build a culture of responsibility that helps reduce harm and protect lives.”
The event also brought together global and local experts to share insights on responsible consumption, examine successful partnership models and explore opportunities to strengthen and scale interventions in South Africa.
Through SAB Sharp, SAB remains forever committed to responsible partnerships, working alongside government and stakeholders to advance practical, evidence-based solutions that encourage responsible choices, strengthen enforcement and reduce alcohol-related harm.
