# South Africa’s illicit alcohol market is now worth 25.1-billion-rand, costing the country 16.5-billion-rand in lost tax revenue. Nearly one in five alcoholic drinks sold, is illegal, driven by large-scale counterfeiting and weak enforcement. The Drinks Federation of South Africa warns this undermines the economy, public health, and legitimate businesses. Many illegal products contain harmful substances like methanol. The federation has launched a national awareness campaign to help consumers identify illegal alcohol and reduce the growing threat to communities.
SA’s illicit alcohol market costs the country R16.5-billion in lost tax revenue