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Alcohol Industry Forum calls for greater cooperation among all stakeholders in reducing alcohol-related harm

Alcohol Industry Forum calls for greater cooperation among all stakeholders in reducing alcohol-related harm

At a recent Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF) Annual General Meeting, late last month, the outgoing Chairperson of SAIF, Celeste Carstens, expressed her satisfaction with the self-regulation efforts maintained by all SAIF members, which consists of most of the major producers and distributors of alcoholic beverages in Namibia.

Simultaneously she urged those producers and distributors who are not yet members of SAIF to consider becoming members going forward.

Carstens stated that the corporation of SAIF members during the COVID-19 pandemic was testimony to their commitment to ensure a sustainable alcohol industry.

The industry acknowledges that the abuse of alcohol has an impact on society, and as such, will continue to engage government and other stakeholders to find workable solutions that will support the fight against alcohol abuse.

To date SAIF has engaged into various targeted interventions and initiatives aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm such as Underage Drinking, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and public education by means of a Public Dialogue programme.

The fight against alcohol abuse will require continuous interventions, and an inclusive approach from all stakeholders going forward, she said..

Meanwhile ,the following office bearers were appointed at the AGM: Marco Wenk of Namibia Breweries Limited (Chairperson), Ramona Wittsack of Distell Namibia (Vice Chairperson), Chrisilda Botes of Distell Namibia (Treasurer) and Cornell Furter of NBL (Organizational Secretary).

Caption: Seated (left to right): Marco Wenk (Incoming Chairperson); Horst Heimstädt (Coordinator). Standing (left to right): Ramona Wittsack (Vice Chairperson); Cornell Furter (Organisational Secretary); Chrisilda Botes (Treasurer).

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