JOHANNESBURG. — Award-winning actor Warren Masemola has sparked a heartfelt national conversation after delivering a powerful message on the dangers of alcohol abuse, especially among black families. The 42-year-old actor is known for his intense and thought-provoking roles in Tjovitjo, The Republic, Scandal!, and Five Fingers for Marseilles. The actor used his voice not on screen, but at fellow actor Presley Chweneyagae’s funeral on Saturday, he called out a culture of over-indulgence that’s silently harming communities. “Africans, men and women, alcohol tastes nice. But if you love someone, you owe it to yourself to talk to the one that you love and say, ‘please, may we just call it quits. “We have children at home. Go home. Your family needs you,’” he said. Warren’s message is bold. At a time when booze is often glamourised on social media and in celebrity circles, he’s urging Mzansi to look beyond the lifestyle and think of the cost. “You can’t wake up on alcohol from 7am and get home at 5am,” he said. “That’s about 22 hours of indulging in alcohol in the streets. That’s not fashion. We came to earth and alcohol was here, and drink it here on earth, and will leave it here on earth,” he said. His words struck a chord online, where users shared clips and quotes from the speech that has since gone viral. Many applauded his honesty and courage to address an issue so often left in silence, especially coming from someone in the public eye. “He who has ears has heard,” said renowned actress Sana Mchunu. He went on to warn that, while alcohol is frequently promoted by celebrities, it adds no true value to life and often brings the opposite. His candid message, though uncomfortable for some, has opened the door for more open conversations around the impact of alcohol, family neglect, and social responsibility. “In the famous words of Warren Masemola, there is really nothing in the streets, especially where alcohol is involved”, said one user. — Daily Sun