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Intervention programme for men in local taverns

TANKING UP: Patrons enjoy beer at a shebeen. Photo: MARIANNE SCHWANKHART
TANKING UP: Patrons enjoy beer at a shebeen. Photo: MARIANNE SCHWANKHART

The South African Breweries (SAB) has reintroduced its Tavern Intervention Programme for Men.

The Programme, known as TIP, aims to drive behavioural change in men identified as perpetrators of social ills, including crime.

Known as TIP, the Programme through a series of workshops in taverns across South Africa, seeks to provide men with appropriate skills and knowledge to effectively help combat crimes closely linked to alcohol abuse. It is one of the few programmes of its kind in existence in South Africa.

Police databases assist in identifying perpetrators and social workers also make referrals to the programme.   

Each workshop, targeting 60 men, is held in a local tavern over a period of five days, and encourages active engagement by participants on several social issues.

The content of each workshop is based on issues and trends prevalent in South Africa and across the globe.

Amongst others, the men are educated on the importance of eating and drinking water when consuming alcohol, HIV/Aids transmission and how to accommodate people infected and affected by the disease, the importance of circumcision in the promotion of men’s health, understanding and promoting the rights of women and children, conflict resolution, family values and healthy living.

“Through the TIP SAB wants to be part of the solution by not only addressing the symptoms of the problem but by targeting its source. Empowering these men with the necessary information to become ambassadors of change will mean a better life for their families and entire communities,” says Mpho Sadiki, SAB Head Sustainability and Transformation.

The TIP was first introduced in 2008 as a pilot programme and officially launched in 2010, ending in 2012. During this four-year period the programme reached more than 2000 men in local communities.

At the final day of the programme, participants are rewarded during a graduation ceremony with a certificate of participation. They are encouraged to sign a pledge of commitment to be ambassadors of change and champions within their community.

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