The Democratic Alliance (DA) has requested the Northern Cape Department of Social Development to report to the provincial legislature on how it will mitigate the effects of the closure of the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR).
Due to a lack of support and funding, FARR’s community centres and projects in Hanover and Renosterberg closed on 31 March this year. FARR will completely close its doors in 2026.
Exceptional research conducted by the facility has shone the spotlight on the devastating impact of Foetal Alcohol Distress Syndrome (FASD) in the province. In 2001, FARR revealed that the 11.9% FASD prevalence in De Aar was the highest documented prevalence rate in the world. Since then, FARR conducted studies in Emthanjeni and Renosterberg, revealing even higher rates of FASD coming in at 28.2% in Renosterberg, 20.8% in Hanover and 21.4% in Britstown.
FARR’s closure carries grave consequences for Northern Cape communities.
FARR played a crucial role in demonstrating how locally grounded, evidence-based interventions can support awareness, prevention and recovery and its experience and data over the last two decades are of immense value. FARR also provided critical support through its community centres by means of offering whole of society awareness, prevention, training and support projects.
It is an indictment against the Northern Cape provincial government that the facility has had to make the difficult decision to close its doors due to severe and persistent funding challenges, and the lack of governmental commitment to address alcohol-related harm.
The DA has submitted questions for written reply to the department to establish how they will mitigate the closure of the research facility, what interventions they will implement to raise awareness and provide support to communities, and how they will manage alcohol-related harm in the province. We have also requested the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee of Health and Social Development, Miriam Kibi, to extend an invitation to FARR to brief the committee and the department on their work.
The Northern Cape must not be allowed to turn its back on FASD.