As millions of South Africans prepare to travel, reunite with loved ones and celebrate the Easter long weekend, retailer SPAR Group is sounding a clear warning: celebrate, but do it responsibly.
Through its liquor retail division, TOPS at SPAR, the group has intensified its Phuza Right campaign, urging consumers to think twice about how they drink during one of the busiest and riskiest periods on the country’s calendar.
According to the retailer, the message is not about policing enjoyment, but about protecting lives.
“Celebration and enjoyment must be balanced with well-being, safety and accountability,” said Thami Silwana, the national liquor executive at TOPS.
“Phuza Right is not just about moderate drinking, it’s about fostering a culture of responsibility that protects families, communities and the wider road safety ecosystem.”
The call comes as road traffic volumes are expected to spike again this Easter. In 2025 alone, more than six million South Africans travelled over the long weekend, a surge that historically correlates with an increase in accidents, many of them alcohol-related.
While last year saw a slight decline in fatalities, authorities and industry players remain concerned about the role excessive drinking continues to play in road crashes, domestic violence and other social harms.
Responsible drinking saves lives
The retailer is now doubling down on practical, everyday interventions: pace your drinks, alternate with water, arrange a sober driver and check in on friends.
Simple advice, yes, but often ignored.
The campaign also taps into the cultural reality of Easter in South Africa. From backyard braais to community gatherings and long-table family feasts, alcohol is frequently part of the social fabric.
“Responsible drinking saves lives,” Silwana stressed, adding that small behavioural shifts can dramatically reduce risk during high-pressure social periods.
Beyond safety, the campaign leans into the spirit of Easter, connection, renewal and shared experience while challenging South Africans to rethink how celebration and responsibility can coexist.
Because while Easter remains a time of joy and togetherness, the consequences of reckless behaviour can linger long after the weekend has ended.
- SPAR Group, through its TOPS at SPAR liquor division, has intensified the Phuza Right campaign to promote responsible drinking during the busy Easter long weekend in South Africa.
- The campaign emphasizes balancing celebration with safety and accountability to protect families, communities, and road users.
- Easter road travel volumes historically increase, correlating with a rise in alcohol-related accidents, despite a recent slight decline in fatalities.
- Practical advice includes pacing drinks, alternating with water, arranging sober drivers, and checking on friends to reduce risks.
- The campaign aligns with South African cultural Easter gatherings, encouraging small behavioral shifts to ensure safety and long-term social well-being.
