I attended the high-level dialogue where the CGCSA, HEINEKEN Beverages, SANTACO, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation laid out concrete plans to address alcohol-related harm and road incidents during the festive season.

The timing is critical. December consistently sees increased traffic volumes and elevated crash rates across South Africa, with last year’s festive season recording thousands of serious road incidents nationwide. The dialogue brought together sectors that directly influence road behaviour, from retail and alcohol manufacturing to taxi transport and law enforcement.

Concrete commitments for December 2025

The partners outlined specific areas where they’ll coordinate efforts over the coming weeks. Consumer education on responsible drinking will expand across retail stores and brand platforms, whilst the taxi industry commits to improved fatigue management and safer rank practices on peak travel days.

The RTMC will increase enforcement visibility along high-risk routes identified through crash and fatalities data. Retailers will strengthen compliance measures to prevent underage and irresponsible alcohol purchases. All sectors will push consistent messaging promoting “Don’t Drink and Drive. Get Home Safely.”

Zinhle Tyikwe, CEO of the Consumer Goods Council, emphasised the retail sector’s reach during the session. “Retailers engage millions of South Africans every day, especially during the festive season. As the CGCSA, we are committed to ensuring that retail spaces promote responsible purchasing behaviour and support national road safety efforts.”

Transport sector addresses peak-period pressures

SANTACO President Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe, although absent from the dialogue, highlighted December’s unique challenges for the taxi industry through an official statement. “December is one of the busiest periods for the taxi industry, and the safety of our passengers remains our highest priority. This dialogue provided a valuable platform to align with partners on fatigue management, driver conduct and safer taxi ranks.”

The taxi sector’s involvement is particularly significant given its role in moving millions of South Africans during the festive period.

Driver fatigue and overcrowding at ranks have been persistent concerns, and SANTACO’s commitment to address these issues through the dialogue represents a direct acknowledgement of the sector’s responsibility.

Enforcement and behaviour change

Refilwe Mongale, Acting CEO of the RTMC, who also was absent, stressed that enforcement alone won’t solve the problem. “The festive season requires heightened vigilance on our roads, especially high-risk areas. Through partnerships like today’s dialogue, the RTMC can strengthen enforcement visibility and deepen behaviour-change communication. It begins with me; it begins with you and all of us! Let us ensure a safe festive season and cross alive to 2026.”

The RTMC’s data-driven approach to enforcement positioning means resources will focus on routes where festive season crashes have historically occurred, rather than random deployment.
Industry takes shared responsibility.

Millicent Maroga, Corporate Affairs Director at HEINEKEN Beverages, made clear that alcohol manufacturers recognise their role in the broader safety ecosystem. “Road safety cannot be solved by one sector alone. Today’s dialogue reflects our shared commitment to encouraging responsible consumption, promoting safer behaviour, and supporting the national call to ‘Don’t Drink and Drive. Get Home Safely.'”

They will be joined by current Tottenham Hotspur forward and Morocco national player, Rosella Ayane as well as Liverpool and Barcelona legend, Luis Garcia who played an instrumental role in Liverpool’s 2005 UEFA Champions League triumph. 

One of the most unique football exhibitions to take place in Mzansi became a reality today when Heineken® unveiled the Heineken® All-INvitational; a one-of-a-kind 5-a-side football match celebrating inclusivity and diversity in the beautiful game, both on and off the pitch.  The exhibition, which takes place on 14^th May 2022 at Gallagher Estate in Johannesburg will feature a roster of some of football’s biggest legends, both local and international, female and male.  

“At Heineken® we say cheers to all fans, men included” says Marcel Swain, Head of Marketing: Premium at Heineken® South Africa. “We have been involved in football globally for decades through the UEFA Champions League and, more recently, through the UEFA Women’s Champions League.  Through this involvement we want to show South Africa that the game is for everyone by celebrating inclusivity and diversity in football.  The Heineken® All-INvitational is thus not only designed to thrill fans but to challenge stereotypes and change mindsets hence the 5-a-side showcase will welcome both male and female football all-stars to the same pitch ,” he added.

Joining the international players will be some of local football’s greatest names from past and present including Amanda Dlamini; Andile Dlamini; Benni McCarthy; Mpumi Nyandeni; Portia Modise; Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane; Ronwen Williams; Teko Modise and Zanele Nhlapho. 

“What started out as a casual conversation with a fellow footballer has turned into a very exciting opportunity for players and fans to celebrate the diversity of the game. I hope this match can further encourage the global conversation about inclusivity in football, especially in Africa,” says Rosella Ayane.

“I’m so excited to be involved in such a unique concept,” added former South Africa international captain Amanda Dlamini.  “The Heineken® All-Invitational is about so much more than an exhibition match, we’re ready to show the world that football is for all fans and players.”

Heineken® has also brought on board South African Afro Futuristic Luxury brand Imprint who will be creating one of a kind Heineken® All-Invitational match kits.