Latest news with #NLT
IOL News
02-07-2025
- IOL News
Liquor Association calls for crackdown on illicit alcohol sales
POLICE discovered equipment used in the manufacturing of illicit alcohol at a house where a 31-year-old man was arrested. Image: Supplied The National Liquor Traders Association (NLT) has intensified its stance against the growing problem of illicit alcohol sales, urging liquor traders to prioritise consumer safety and health. This warning follows the arrest of a 31-year-old man in Mariannhill, west of Durban, who was found in possession of a substantial amount of illicit alcohol, primarily posing as a popular vodka brand. Recent figures from the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) highlight a concerning trend, revealing that around 18% of alcohol sold in South Africa is illegal. In the past year alone, an alarming volume of 773,000 hectolitres of illicit alcohol was identified, posing serious risks to public health. NLT spokesperson Lucky Ntimane expressed the urgency of collaborative efforts among liquor traders, communities, and law enforcement agencies to combat this issue. He stressed that the estimated value of illicit alcohol seized during the recent operation—approximately R250,000—underscores the critical need for vigilance and accountability within the industry. THE illicit alcohol in branded vodka bottles valued at around R250 000 that was found at a property in Mariannhill, west of Durban last week. Image: Supplied Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading "This should serve as a wake-up call," Ntimane remarked. "If we work together, we can effectively eliminate the criminals within our ranks and protect our businesses while ensuring that only authentic, safe products reach consumers." His call to action compels liquor traders to stand at the forefront of safeguarding their businesses against illegal practices. Brigadier Jay Naicker of the KwaZulu-Natal SAPS shared details about the operation that led to the arrest. Officers from the Provincial Organised Crime Unit (Narcotics), along with the Provincial Drug and Firearm Unit and the Provincial Counterfeit Goods Unit, acted on intelligence regarding the manufacturing and sale of illicit alcohol. The search of the premises resulted in the arrest of the suspect, who subsequently appeared at the Pinetown Magistrate Court, where his case was remanded pending the completion of the investigation. The issue of illicit alcohol has dominated social media discourse among those who drink with some revealing their suspicion that they've once consumed such without realising it. Some of the consumers expressed that the booze they suspected to be illicit gave them an usually long-lasting and punishing hangover. SUNDAY TRIBUNE
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Only around one in four children enjoy writing in their spare time
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) has warned that the number of young people who enjoy writing in their free time has fallen to its lowest level since they began recording data 15 years ago. Just 26.6% of those aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed writing in their free time in 2025, compared to 28.7% last year and 46.8% in 2010. The near halving of writing enjoyment over the past 15 years has 'concerning' long-term implications for children's learning, literacy and development outcomes, the charity has warned. Only one in 10 (10.4%) said they write daily in their free time, compared to 11.1% last year and 27% in 2010, the research found. Overall, 114,970 children and young people aged five to 18 from 515 schools across the UK were surveyed by the NLT between January and March. Writing for pleasure is in a 'worrying state of decline' and decreasing levels of writing enjoyment and engagement are 'closely mirrored by troubling attainment figures,' the charity's report said. Last year, 72% of children in England met the expected standard in writing in the Key Stage 2 Sats, compared to 78% in 2019. Younger children, particularly those aged eight to 11, have historically shown higher levels of writing enjoyment, but this year's data shows primary-aged children are 'losing enthusiasm fastest'. Girls, traditionally more engaged in writing than boys, have also seen sharper declines in writing enjoyment than boys in recent years, the report said. But the research suggested that boys and older children continue to show the lowest levels of writing enjoyment and frequency. While paper-based writing remains the most common format of writing, less enthusiastic writers showed a preference for digital writing (such as song lyrics, reviews or scripts), the report said. Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the NLT, said: 'The findings offer a sobering view of writing culture in the UK but also point to actionable insights. 'By focusing on what motivates children and young people, particularly autonomy, creativity, and personal and cultural relevance, they are far more likely to engage with it on their own terms. That's where true progress begins.'
Leader Live
25-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Only around one in four children enjoy writing in their spare time
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) has warned that the number of young people who enjoy writing in their free time has fallen to its lowest level since they began recording data 15 years ago. Just 26.6% of those aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed writing in their free time in 2025, compared to 28.7% last year and 46.8% in 2010. The near halving of writing enjoyment over the past 15 years has 'concerning' long-term implications for children's learning, literacy and development outcomes, the charity has warned. Only one in 10 (10.4%) said they write daily in their free time, compared to 11.1% last year and 27% in 2010, the research found. Overall, 114,970 children and young people aged five to 18 from 515 schools across the UK were surveyed by the NLT between January and March. Writing for pleasure is in a 'worrying state of decline' and decreasing levels of writing enjoyment and engagement are 'closely mirrored by troubling attainment figures,' the charity's report said. Last year, 72% of children in England met the expected standard in writing in the Key Stage 2 Sats, compared to 78% in 2019. Younger children, particularly those aged eight to 11, have historically shown higher levels of writing enjoyment, but this year's data shows primary-aged children are 'losing enthusiasm fastest'. Girls, traditionally more engaged in writing than boys, have also seen sharper declines in writing enjoyment than boys in recent years, the report said. But the research suggested that boys and older children continue to show the lowest levels of writing enjoyment and frequency. While paper-based writing remains the most common format of writing, less enthusiastic writers showed a preference for digital writing (such as song lyrics, reviews or scripts), the report said. Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the NLT, said: 'The findings offer a sobering view of writing culture in the UK but also point to actionable insights. 'By focusing on what motivates children and young people, particularly autonomy, creativity, and personal and cultural relevance, they are far more likely to engage with it on their own terms. That's where true progress begins.'
South Wales Guardian
25-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Guardian
Only around one in four children enjoy writing in their spare time
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) has warned that the number of young people who enjoy writing in their free time has fallen to its lowest level since they began recording data 15 years ago. Just 26.6% of those aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed writing in their free time in 2025, compared to 28.7% last year and 46.8% in 2010. The near halving of writing enjoyment over the past 15 years has 'concerning' long-term implications for children's learning, literacy and development outcomes, the charity has warned. Only one in 10 (10.4%) said they write daily in their free time, compared to 11.1% last year and 27% in 2010, the research found. Overall, 114,970 children and young people aged five to 18 from 515 schools across the UK were surveyed by the NLT between January and March. Writing for pleasure is in a 'worrying state of decline' and decreasing levels of writing enjoyment and engagement are 'closely mirrored by troubling attainment figures,' the charity's report said. Last year, 72% of children in England met the expected standard in writing in the Key Stage 2 Sats, compared to 78% in 2019. Younger children, particularly those aged eight to 11, have historically shown higher levels of writing enjoyment, but this year's data shows primary-aged children are 'losing enthusiasm fastest'. Girls, traditionally more engaged in writing than boys, have also seen sharper declines in writing enjoyment than boys in recent years, the report said. But the research suggested that boys and older children continue to show the lowest levels of writing enjoyment and frequency. While paper-based writing remains the most common format of writing, less enthusiastic writers showed a preference for digital writing (such as song lyrics, reviews or scripts), the report said. Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the NLT, said: 'The findings offer a sobering view of writing culture in the UK but also point to actionable insights. 'By focusing on what motivates children and young people, particularly autonomy, creativity, and personal and cultural relevance, they are far more likely to engage with it on their own terms. That's where true progress begins.'
North Wales Chronicle
25-06-2025
- General
- North Wales Chronicle
Only around one in four children enjoy writing in their spare time
The National Literacy Trust (NLT) has warned that the number of young people who enjoy writing in their free time has fallen to its lowest level since they began recording data 15 years ago. Just 26.6% of those aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed writing in their free time in 2025, compared to 28.7% last year and 46.8% in 2010. The near halving of writing enjoyment over the past 15 years has 'concerning' long-term implications for children's learning, literacy and development outcomes, the charity has warned. Only one in 10 (10.4%) said they write daily in their free time, compared to 11.1% last year and 27% in 2010, the research found. Overall, 114,970 children and young people aged five to 18 from 515 schools across the UK were surveyed by the NLT between January and March. Writing for pleasure is in a 'worrying state of decline' and decreasing levels of writing enjoyment and engagement are 'closely mirrored by troubling attainment figures,' the charity's report said. Last year, 72% of children in England met the expected standard in writing in the Key Stage 2 Sats, compared to 78% in 2019. Younger children, particularly those aged eight to 11, have historically shown higher levels of writing enjoyment, but this year's data shows primary-aged children are 'losing enthusiasm fastest'. Girls, traditionally more engaged in writing than boys, have also seen sharper declines in writing enjoyment than boys in recent years, the report said. But the research suggested that boys and older children continue to show the lowest levels of writing enjoyment and frequency. While paper-based writing remains the most common format of writing, less enthusiastic writers showed a preference for digital writing (such as song lyrics, reviews or scripts), the report said. Jonathan Douglas, chief executive of the NLT, said: 'The findings offer a sobering view of writing culture in the UK but also point to actionable insights. 'By focusing on what motivates children and young people, particularly autonomy, creativity, and personal and cultural relevance, they are far more likely to engage with it on their own terms. That's where true progress begins.'
