Chairperson, research findings of the Foundation for Alcohol-Related Research in South Africa indicate that fetal alcohol syndrome is the main cause of mental illness in the world and is preventable.
This is a condition a child suffers after being exposed to alcohol while developing in the mother's womb. Fetal alcohol syndrome occurs when the brain of the fetus does not develop properly due to the mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. It is a condition characterised by abnormal facial features, growth retardation and central nervous system problems.
According to Pierre Uys, the Western Cape MEC for health, the province has the highest rate of babies born with fetal alcohol syndrome in the world. As part of the national Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Day, the Northern Cape government has asked churches and the public to observe a moment of silence for affected children.
The ANC calls on the Department of Health to investigate the reasons for the unusually high prevalence of the syndrome in the Western Cape, and whether there is any link with the dop system on farms or lack of recreational facilities for young women. All stakeholders can contribute to increasing the awareness of our communities and to highlight the dangers of alcohol abuse in general, and specifically during pregnancy. I thank you, Chairperson. [Applause.]