“This Guy Is a Blessing”: General Mkhwanazi’s Throwback Video on Alcohol in Townships Sparks Debate

• An influential law enforcement figure reignited a critical national discussion on the impact of alcohol in South African communities
• The thought-provoking video addressing the societal effects of alcohol, filmed approximately a year after the KZN unrest, re-emerged on the popular social media platform Instagram
• The content sparked widespread debate, with online users expressing a range of strong opinions, from full support to outright disagreement

A compelling conversation swept across online platforms following the reappearance of a video featuring General Mkhwanazi.

The clip, shared on Instagram by @mzansiprolificconnect, became a focal point for differing perspectives among online users.

The video shows General Mkhwanazi sharing his firm stance on the sale of alcohol in townships and rural areas. Filmed roughly a year after the widespread KZN looting, the General asserts that if tasked with restoring order in these communities, his immediate recommendation would be to implement an alcohol ban. He declares that a significant portion of criminal activity often investigated in townships is directly linked to alcohol consumption.

Read also

"This gives me hope": Woman shows Thembisa clinic after removal of foreign nationals, SA impressed

General Mkhwanazi further highlights a difference in cabinet members' responses during times of crisis. He notes that during the KZN looting, when numerous businesses were stripped bare by rioters, he received no communication from government ministers regarding the matter. When the South African Breweries (SAB) faced a potential threat, however, he received numerous calls from various cabinet members, concerned for corporate interests over community safety. Despite acknowledging the practical difficulties of such a ban, the general stresses the serious nature of alcohol-related problems, particularly in township environments.

Mzansi comments with mixed views

The re-emergence of the video provoked a vibrant exchange of views among internet users. Many people resonated with General Mkhwanazi's statements, agreeing that alcohol is a primary contributor to a multitude of societal issues. These supporters praised his honesty and agreed with his perspective on the destructive consequences of excessive drinking.

Some commentators even suggested that if the General held a more influential position, he would introduce significant changes to improve daily life in Mzansi. Others, however, expressed considerable scepticism regarding his proposals, saying alcohol was not the problem, but people's behaviours were.

Read also

"Unity is not beer and boerewors": Pieter Kriel calls out fake rugby unity, SA impressed

User @napoligif shared:

"He is not wrong, though, the youth have made alcohol their life. Until they learn control, I'd keep alcohol away from them. I've also said if I were the president, all alcohol shops would be closed on Sundays, and if we find you simply holding beer on a Sunday, you get a fine."

User @pavlovic8595 said

"This guy is a blessing ❤️."

User @iamnoble.83 commented:

"Increase the legal age of consumption to 25."

User @kaonemogodu89 shared:

"Should this guy be the president, there's going to be problems😂."

User @khayalethu_makgato added:

"Stay in your lane."

User @i_once_had_a_cool_name said:

"This video is old, hence taken out of context. It's an old video from the COVID days. My assumption is social media accounts like the one I'm commenting on are being paid by government officials to take this man down by any means necessary."

Watch the Instagram video here.

Read also

A Mzansi nurse danced and prayed at her hospital, and the viral TikTok had SA praising along with her

3 Briefly News articles about townships

• A young man human rights activist, made waves online after confronting agencies, celebrities and film crews for exploiting township visuals while ignoring its people.
• A kasi landlord showed off her vandalised rental apartment, adding that her tenants just left without notifying her and that she had never asked them for a deposit.
• A woman who has lived in different Cape Town townships advised those who could afford to get out of the townships, calling them toxic.

Source: Briefly News