Beyond Election Promises: Holding Political Parties Accountable for Alcohol Harm
In October 2026, the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign, introduced the Election Accountability Tracker, an initiative designed to examine how South Africa’s political parties are addressing alcohol-related harm in their election manifestos ahead of the 4 November 2026 Local Government Elections.
The tracker provides voters with an opportunity to look beyond political promises and assess whether parties have meaningful plans to address the challenges affecting communities, including gender-based violence, child protection, liquor licensing, alcohol availability and substance use prevention. By evaluating party manifestos against key public health and community safety priorities, the initiative aims to promote informed civic participation and greater political accountability.
A central concern highlighted by the campaign is the limited attention given to alcohol harm in municipal election commitments. While some political parties acknowledge substance use, illegal liquor outlets and community safety, comprehensive plans for prevention, effective regulation and local implementation remain largely absent. The tracker also draws attention to the importance of Local Drug Action Committees, which play a critical role in coordinating substance use prevention and response at municipal level.
The initiative reinforces the important role local government plays in creating safer communities. Municipalities have responsibilities relating to by-law enforcement, community safety, local planning and coordination with liquor licensing authorities. These responsibilities make local government a critical partner in reducing alcohol-related harm and protecting vulnerable populations.
Importantly, the Election Accountability Tracker is a non-partisan initiative. Its purpose is not to endorse political parties, but to encourage transparency, public participation and evidence-based decision-making. The campaign seeks to ensure that commitments made during election campaigns translate into measurable action once elected representatives take office.
Through this initiative, the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign is calling on South Africans to remain engaged beyond election day, monitor the commitments made by their representatives and demand policies that prioritise public health, safety and community wellbeing.
Explore the Election Accountability Tracker
https://truecostofalcohol.africa/election-accountability-tracker/