A recent holiday message from former President Jacob Zuma urging South Africans to cut down on drinking has drawn a mixed response, with critics questioning his credibility on the issue.
In his message, Zuma linked excessive alcohol use to impeding the nation’s future. While few dispute the severity of South Africa’s drinking problem, many point out that Zuma had nearly a decade in the presidency to address the issue through policy but made little progress.
Commentators note that alcohol abuse was mentioned only briefly in his administration’s National Development Plan, without serious intervention. Some argue that substance abuse often fills a void created by broader social and economic challenges—challenges that worsened during his tenure.
The underlying criticism is that while the message may be sound, Zuma’s own legacy of governance partly contributed to the conditions that drive people toward drinking as an escape. As a result, his holiday appeal is seen by some as lacking the moral authority to inspire real change.