THE Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF) commended cooperation among players in the alcohol industry for the efforts of keeping the marketing of beverages under strict control.
SAIF coordinator Horst Heimstädt said in a statement on Friday after the regulator’s annual general meeting that the success of the forum is attributable to the collaboration of members, which comprises players in the wine, beer and spirits industry.
“The collaboration with the beer, wine and spirits industry is excellent and worth celebrating because this seems to be a major challenge throughout the world,” he noted.
SAIF was established by the producers and distributors of alcohol in Namibia as an organisation to help coordinate and impose measures that limit alcohol abuse.
Members include Namibia Breweries Limited, Castle Brewing Namibia, Distell Namibia, Commercial Investment Corporation, SMC Brands Namibia, The House of Wines, United Liquor Agencies, Camelthorn Brewing Company, African Marketing, Kristall Kellerei and Pernod Ricard Namibia.
The organisation contributes to the provision of breathalyser equipment, breathalyser consumables and vehicle maintenance, a quest of aiding law-enforcement by combating driving under the influence of alcohol, as well as underage drinking interventions.
Heimstädt announced that a new committee has been chosen, which will continue to being an active contributor towards the above causes.
The new committee comprisises Celeste Carstens from Pernod Ricard Namibia as chairperson, Ramona Wittsack from Distell Namibia as vice chairperson, Chrisilda Botes from Distell Namibia as treasurer, Cornell Furter from Namibia Breweries Limited as organisational secretary, and Horst Heimstädt as coordinator.
Members of SAIF believe that the responsible use of alcohol can make a positive contribution to the quality of life of those who choose to consume it, but it can harm those who abuse it, consequentially affecting society.
A global status report on road safety by the World Health Organisation published last year stated that about 30 people per 100 000 are killed on Namibian roads, and about 4% of road traffic deaths in Namibia involve alcohol.
has reported in the past that one of the major challenges faced by the regulator is securing the commitment of all stakeholders.
A recent study done by Miriam Shindombolo, a Unam master’s of social work student, found that accessibility to alcohol in communities which have shebeens is relatively easy, and the quantity consumed at both registered and unregistered shebeens is much higher than the quantity consumed at other establishments, such as bars.
Email: michael@namibian.com.na
