Nokubonga Ndlovu|Published
Socialising at clubs, bars, and campus events is meant to be a fun and memorable part of student life - a chance to unwind, make memories, and dance the night away.
But beneath the music and lights, safety must always remain a top priority.
Drink spiking - the illegal act of adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s beverage without their knowledge or consent - is a serious crime that poses severe health and personal safety risks.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) highlights the urgency of staying vigilant in nightlife environments.
To understand what this looks like in reality, we spoke to university students about their experiences and the real-world strategies they use to keep themselves and their friends safe.
“While taking a photo, a friend of mine left her cider on a table for barely two minutes,” remembers 24-year-old University of Cape Town student Ntombizodwa Ngcukana.
“Fortunately, a member of our group spotted a guy hovering near it and intervened. Since then, my policy is straightforward: if my drink is out of my sight for even five seconds, I walk away and order a new one. The risk simply is not worth it.”
Lerato Mvelase, a 22-year-old UWC student, said:“People generally have good intentions, but taking risks simply is not an option.
“If someone offers to buy me a drink, I always accompany them to the bar to watch the bartender open the bottle or pour it myself. If that offends them, that's on them, not me.”
She emphasises that upholding clear boundaries and ignoring social pressure are key to staying safe. Watching drinks being prepared in plain view significantly reduces tampering risks and sets a positive standard for others.
Paying attention to your instincts and bodily intuition is essential when navigating social spaces, according to an anonymous 23-year-old student at UWC.
She said: “Trusting your gut is everything,” she stresses, recalling a critical moment during a social outing. “One night out, my drink suddenly tasted strange - unusually bitter. I stopped drinking it immediately and told my friends. Listening to that instinct probably saved me from a very dangerous night.”
Sticking with your girls and having each others’ backs is UCT student Zethu Dikana’s No.1 safety rule when hitting the club.
The 21-year-old said: “Our main rule is that we arrive together and leave together—no one gets left behind.
“If a friend in our group begins slurring their words or acting strangely after only one drink, we don't write it off as mild intoxication. We immediately escort them out of the club to a secure, brightly lit area, provide water, and ensure someone remains by their side at all times.”
Here are six essential safety steps, backed by expert advice and student experiences:
1. Keep Your Drink in Sight
Never leave your beverage unattended, even for a split second. If you need to step away to dance, use the restroom, or take a phone call, finish your drink first or hold onto it.
2. Don’t Accept Drinks from Strangers
Only accept beverages served directly by official venue bartenders or staff. Avoid taking drinks from people you do not know well. If someone offers to buy you a drink, accompany them to the bar and watch the bartender pour or open it in front of you.
3. Use a Lid, Cover, or Bottle Cap
Take extra precautions in crowded, fast-paced environments like packed nightclubs, busy tavern bars, and outdoor music festivals. Covering your drink makes it significantly harder for anyone to slip something inside undetected.
4. Watch for Suspicious Behavior & Taste Changes
Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Be cautious if someone is paying unusual attention to your glass, lingering near unattended tables, or trying to separate you from your group. Additionally, pay attention to how your drink looks or tastes—some substances can make a drink taste excessively salty, bitter, or look unusually cloudy.
5. Look Out for Your Friends (The Buddy System)
Safety is strongest when groups stick together. Establish a "buddy system" before heading out and check in on each other throughout the night. If a friend suddenly appears unusually intoxicated, disoriented, confused, or unwell compared to what they’ve consumed, act quickly.
6. Report Incidents and Seek Help Immediately
If you suspect that your drink or a friend's drink has been spiked, notify venue staff, bouncers, or security right away. Seek immediate medical attention, as many substances clear out of the system quickly.
In South Africa, keep these emergency contact numbers saved on your phone:
- South African Police Service (SAPS): 10111
- Crime Stop: 08600 10111
- National Emergency/Ambulance: 112 (from any cell phone)
Stay Alert. Stay Safe. Look Out for Each Other.
Spiking is a crime—plain and simple. By remaining vigilant, relying on peer support, and holding venue management accountable, student communities can work together to build a safer social environment for everyone.