Aware.org and JMPD mark four years of partnership against drinking and driving

AWARE.org and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) marked four years of partnership on 13 October at the Alcohol Evidence Centre (AEC) in Dube, Soweto. Their work combines enforcement support, public education and research, including a recent review of 26,578 recorded DUI arrests between January 2023 and December 2025.

In 2025, 85.9% of recorded DUI arrests occurred between 18:00 and 23:59, highlighting the concentration of enforcement activity during the evening and late-night period. This finding relates to recorded arrests and should not be interpreted as a measure of the overall prevalence of drinking and driving.

Over the four-year partnership, AWARE.org has supported JMPD through specialised equipment, technical assistance and capacity building. This includes verification and calibration services and support for data capturers responsible for processing and managing DUI cases.

Speaking at the event, Acting Deputy Director and Superintendent within the JMPD, Mike Botolo reflected on the value of the partnership, particularly its contribution to operational capacity, accountability and collaboration.

Reducing alcohol-related harm requires shared responsibility. By connecting enforcement with evidence-led prevention and public education, we can work towards safer roads and more informed decisions,” said Sola Oke, CEO of Pernod Ricard Africa, and newly appointed AWARE.org Chairperson.

“Over the past four years, our partnership with JMPD has shown the importance of connecting enforcement with prevention and education to encourage safer behaviour and reduce alcohol-related harm,” said Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org.