Cape Talk Interview: The science behind who holds their drink — and why it doesn’t matter

After the publication of his op-ed, Dr David Harrison, DGMT CEO, recently joined CapeTalk to unpack South Africa’s complex relationship with alcohol. Drawing on scientific evidence and national data, he explained why factors like body size and sex influence how alcohol affects us, but warned that the real danger lies in the country’s culture of heavy drinking. Harrison argued that while alcohol does contribute to jobs and tax revenue, excessive consumption is fuelling violence, inequality and long-term health risks. He called for smart, evidence-based policies to shift South Africa from harmful drinking to a culture of moderation.