FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sonke Gender Justice welcomes the Constitutional Court hearing on the constitutionality of provisions of the Northern Cape Gambling and Liquor Act 6 of 2024 and supports the DG Murray Trust’s challenge to the legislation.
As an organisation working inter alia, with men and boys to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), we know what the evidence shows that Alcohol is not a private lifestyle choice. It is one of the key drivers of GBVF, child abuse, road deaths, and poverty in South Africa.
Research has consistently shown a strong link between harmful alcohol use and increased levels of domestic violence, sexual violence, child abuse, injuries and community insecurity. Decisions about liquor trading hours therefore have direct consequences for the safety and wellbeing of women, children and communities.
This is the gravest failure of participation. The communities most affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), by domestic violence after 2am, by taverns next to schools and religious institutions – were never heard.
Sonke supports the case on two key grounds.
First, the Northern Cape Legislature failed to ensure meaningful public participation before adopting significant amendments to the law, including provisions extending alcohol trading hours. Communities most affected by alcohol-related harm, particularly women, young people and rural residents, were effectively excluded from the process.
Second, the state has a constitutional obligation to take reasonable measures to protect people from alcohol-related harm. This duty flows from the rights to dignity, freedom and security of the person, access to healthcare, and the protection of children from abuse and neglect.
Evidence presented before the courts has demonstrated the link between extended alcohol trading hours and increased levels of harmful drinking, violence, injuries and other social harms. At a time when South Africa continues to grapple with alarming rates of GBVF and femicide, public policy should prioritise prevention and community safety.
Sonke therefore urges the Constitutional Court to:
- Confirm the High Court’s finding that meaningful public participation did not take place;
- Recognise the state’s duty to protect people from alcohol-related harm when regulating liquor sales and trading hours; and
- Uphold interim measures that limit late-night alcohol sales while the legislation is reviewed and corrected.
The Court’s decision will have implications far beyond the Northern Cape. It could help establish an important national precedent on how provincial governments balance commercial interests with their constitutional obligations to protect life, dignity, health and freedom from violence.
South Africa cannot meaningfully address GBVF while ignoring one of its major risk factors. Effective alcohol regulation, evidence-based policy and meaningful community participation are essential components of violence prevention.
For Sonke Gender Justice, alcohol regulation is a gender justice issue.
ENDS/
For media enquiries, contact:
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice: amu@genderjustice.org.za | 074 857 4254
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice: bafana@genderjustice.org.za | 082 578 4479
NOTE TO EDITORS
- Case: DG Murray Trust v Speaker of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature and Others.
- Constitutional Court hearing held on 10 November 2026.
About Sonke
Established in 2006, Sonke Gender Justice is a South African-based non-profit organisation working across Africa to advance gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, strengthen state accountability for GBVF, and promote gender transformation. Sonke believes that women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and build safer, more equal communities. In 2026, Sonke celebrates 20 years of service.
For media releases, reports and news visit https://genderjustice.org.za/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/newsletter-signup/
Connect with us:
Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn