Binge drinking is not only a problem at Franklin & Marshall, but is also a growing problem in South Africa. Problems with alcoholism can be traced back to colonization (anyone surprised by that?) when the first colonial governor planted the first grape vine in Capetown in 1600 to ensure a supply of wine for those traveling around the Cape of Good Hope. Although the practice of paying people working on vineyards in wine was outlawed in 1980, it is believed that the practice still exists. Since the introduction of wine by colonizers, binge drinking had become “ingrained in South African culture at all social levels.”
The healthcare system in South Africa is all ready strained by the largest number of AIDS patients in the world. On top of the overwhelming number of AIDS patients, hospitals are dealing with more and more alcohol related issued. Some estimate that around 70% of hospital cases can be attributed to alcohol whether it is alcohol poisoning, domestic violence, or fetal alcohol syndrome (an increasingly prevalent problem as women lack the knowledge about what alcohol is doing to their unborn child)
The wine industry is beginning to step in to try to raise awareness and prevent fetal alcohol syndrome. One member of the wine industry said that, “we felt some social responsibility in regard to our industry to do something about this. We don’t need to sweep this under the rug.” Even with the problem being out in the open, alcohol is so ingrained into their society, what can really be done to stop it? Alcoholism and binge drinking is still prevalent in the United States and you don’t have to look far to find it. We know what the risks are but people still engage in it so what needs to be done to stop it in South Africa?
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