Johannesburg – Eighteen-year-olds can drive, pay taxes and join the army – but will be banned from drinking alcohol if Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has his way.

Raising the legal drinking age from 18 to 21 is just one of a raft of measures being considered by Motsoaledi and 10 government ministries to reduce the harm caused by alcohol consumption.

Motsoaledi also wants to see a complete ban on drinking before driving, a ban on alcohol advertising, and a review of alcohol pricing.

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