Deputy Minister Letsike
In a firm stand against the exploitation of young people, Deputy Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Nokuzola Letsike has voiced deep worry over a viral social media video showing underage girls from Limpopo downing alcohol alongside local musician “Tsaka RSA”. The clip, which has sparked widespread outrage online, captures the girls engaging in illegal drinking under the watchful eye of the adult artist, prompting Letsike to label it as a clear case of abuse of influence. She has now roped in the South African Police Service to question the performer and dig deeper into the matter, stressing that such acts put the health and future of the nation’s youth at grave risk.
The Deputy Minister’s call comes amid growing fears about rising alcohol use among teens in rural areas like Limpopo, where cultural traditions sometimes blur the lines on drinking. Letsike made it clear that no one, especially those in the spotlight, should get away with encouraging harmful habits that could lead to lifelong problems. As the video continues to spread, it has ignited talks on the need for tighter controls and better education to shield kids from these dangers. This incident shines a harsh light on a bigger issue plaguing South Africa, where stats show booze consumption among youngsters is climbing fast, often with dire outcomes.
With the legal drinking age set at 18, Letsike pointed out how binge drinking is becoming all too common among those even younger, fuelling a cycle of poor choices and health woes. Her response not only targets this specific event but also pushes for a united front from families, schools and the booze trade to turn things around. As investigations kick off, many hope this will serve as a wake-up call for artists and communities alike to step up and protect the vulnerable.
The Viral Video and Immediate Backlash
The troubling footage surfaced on social media platforms just days ago, showing a group of young girls, believed to be under 18, laughing and sipping alcohol in what looks like a casual hangout with “Tsaka RSA”. The artist, a familiar face in Limpopo’s music scene, appears relaxed in the clip, doing little to stop the illegal activity. Shared widely across apps like TikTok and X, the video quickly drew sharp criticism from parents, activists and online users who slammed it as reckless and predatory.
Deputy Minister Letsike did not mince words in her official statement, calling the behaviour “uncharacteristic and exploitative” from adult male artists who wield power over impressionable fans. She accused them of using their fame to “expose and harm vulnerable young girls” instead of guiding them positively. “Underage drinking not only breaks the law, but it also poses serious risks to the health, safety, and future of our youth,” she stated, urging swift action to hold those involved accountable.
In response, Letsike has reached out to the South African Police Service, asking them to haul in “Tsaka RSA” for questioning and launch a full probe into the underage drinking claims. This move aims to uncover if laws were broken and ensure justice for the girls caught up in the mess. Community leaders in Limpopo have echoed her concerns, noting how such incidents erode trust in public figures who should be role models.
Who is “Tsaka RSA”? A Controversial Figure in Limpopo’s Music World
At the heart of this storm is Paul Madubanya, better known by his stage name “Tsaka RSA”, a rising star from Limpopo who has built a name for himself in the local music circuit. Starting as a songwriter and digital creator, Madubanya has stirred up buzz with his bold style and catchy tracks, often blending traditional sounds with modern beats. But his path has been rocky, marked by a string of controversies that paint him as a divisive personality. 
Interestingly, Madubanya’s background includes a stint as a prophet before diving into music, a twist that has raised eyebrows among fans.  He has faced jail time earlier this year for clashing with fellow Limpopo artists, accusing them of lacking freshness in their work.  In one infamous interview, he openly called out peers, claiming they were outdated and holding back the scene.  His antics have not stopped there—Madubanya once shocked crowds by arriving at a Pretoria gig inside a coffin, a stunt that went viral for its sheer oddity. 
More alarmingly, this is not his first brush with scandal involving inappropriate conduct. Earlier in the year, a video emerged of a young woman performing an explicit act on stage during one of his shows in Moletjie, Limpopo, sparking debates on boundaries at live events.  Despite the backlash, Madubanya keeps a packed schedule, boasting 12 gigs lined up for just one day last week, and often shares personal snippets like his girlfriend’s new tattoos on social media.  He has also teamed up with Lekompo producers for new projects, aiming to drop hits that resonate with Limpopo’s vibrant culture.  Yet, critics argue his influence could be used for good, not for moments that endanger youth.
Limpopo’s Rural Context: Traditions and Hidden Dangers
Limpopo, with its vast rural landscapes, adds a unique layer to this issue. As Letsike noted, alcohol—be it store-bought or home-brewed—plays a big part in traditional ceremonies and rituals here. This cultural tie can sometimes introduce kids to drinking early on, normalising it in ways that blur legal lines. In villages, elders might share brews during gatherings, unwittingly exposing teens to the habit. 
But this comes with heavy costs.
Early alcohol use among adolescents is linked to brain fog that hampers learning, risky hook-ups while buzzed, and a higher chance of accidents or violence. Letsike warned that intoxicated teens often dive into dangerous sexual behaviours, upping risks of unwanted pregnancies, STDs and gender-based attacks. Road crashes, a big killer in rural spots with poor lighting and fast drivers, spike when booze is involved. Long-term, it can lock folks into addiction, derailing dreams and draining families. 
Studies paint a stark picture for Limpopo specifically. In rural high schools, over half of learners—53.8%—admit to drinking, with many having parents who booze too at 55.1%.  At the University of Limpopo, where students average 21.5 years old, alcohol use is rife, tied to stress, peer pressure and easy access.  Educators in the province’s Capricorn District report seeing kids as young as 13 sneaking sips, leading to classroom chaos and dropouts.  Factors like poverty, boredom and lack of fun alternatives push teens towards liquor, with heavy drinking hitting 40.6% of South Africans overall. 
Alarming National Trends: Youth Booze Use on the Rise
Zooming out, South Africa’s youth are guzzling more than ever, despite the 18-year-old cutoff. Nationwide, nearly half—49.6%—of school-goers have tried alcohol in their lifetime, with binge sessions common among those under 18.  Shocking stats reveal 12% of kids under 13 have already had a drink, and youth aged 11-20 clock in at 32% for regular use.  The Southern Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance flags this as a red alert, noting how early sips lead to bigger troubles down the line. 
The World Health Organisation backs this up, pegging South Africans at about 10 litres of pure alcohol each year—way above the global mark of 6.4 litres. This high intake fuels everything from liver woes to family breakdowns, with rural provinces like Limpopo bearing the brunt due to lax enforcement and cultural norms.  In peri-urban spots, where city temptations meet village life, the mix is even deadlier, pushing more teens into harm’s way.
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