Deputy Minister hits out at Limpopo artist over underage drinking scandal

Cape Town – Deputy Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Nokuzola Letsike, has called for immediate accountability following the circulation of a video showing underage girls consuming alcohol in the presence of Limpopo-based artist “Tsaka RSA.”

In a statement, Letsike condemned what she described as “uncharacteristic and exploitative behaviour” by adult male artists who use their influence to expose and harm vulnerable young girls.

She has formally engaged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to investigate the matter and hold the artist accountable.

“Underage drinking not only breaks the law, but it also poses serious risks to the health, safety, and future of our youth,” she said.

Limpopo, largely rural, has a longstanding cultural context in which alcohol — both commercially produced and traditionally brewed — is used in ceremonies and rituals.

Statistics

Experts warn that early exposure to alcohol can contribute to risky sexual behaviour, academic underperformance, violence, and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence and road accidents.

Preventing underage drinking, Letsike emphasised, requires coordinated action across multiple sectors, including parental guidance, stricter enforcement of alcohol laws, education programmes in schools and communities, and youth-focused initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles.

Although the legal drinking age in South Africa is 18, recent statistics indicate a troubling rise in alcohol consumption among younger adolescents, including instances of binge drinking.

According to the World Health Organisation, South Africans consume approximately 10 litres of pure alcohol per person annually, one of the highest rates globally.

The Deputy Minister’s call highlights growing concerns over underage alcohol use in rural provinces such as Limpopo and underscores the need for community-level accountability and stronger enforcement measures.