ALI MPHAKI
STAGGERED by the news that shebeens are set to be removed from residential areas to business zones or formal nodes, liquor traders and organisations have vowed to fight to protect their businesses.
More demonstrations and protests are being planned against the draft Gauteng liquor policy, which, if made into law, will see the end to the shebeen as we know it – a pub around the corner.
MEC for Economic Development Qedani Mahlangu last week met shebeen, pub and tavern owners from around Gauteng and declared war on the selling of liquor in residential areas, saying all residential areas require the same protection from the negative impacts of the liquor trade.
She said the Gauteng municipal spatial development framework clearly identified the need for relocation of shebeens to appropriate sites, and municipalities must make provision for taverns, bottlestores and bars to operate in areas zoned for business purposes.
“Alcohol abuse and related medical and social consequences remain a significant problem in South Africa, (which) the current national legislation is hoping to reduce through stricter controls and penalties.
“It cannot be right to have 30 000 shebeens operating in Gauteng, which is why we are going to review all licences issued and also visit all the places that sell liquor in the province,” she said.
Most likely to leave shebeeners and their patrons with a kingsize hangover is that Mahlangu says these proposals have the backing of 65 percent of Gauteng’s population.
Saint Madlala, president of the SA Liquor Traders Association, said if the draft Gauteng liquor policy became law it would encourage illegal trading of alcohol.
“It is unbusinesslike to uproot shebeeners from established areas and take them to places like malls and shopping centres. The shebeen fulfils a certain need for people who do not want to go far from their homes for their sundowner. And in all fairness, how many shebeens or pubs can a shopping centre or mall accommodate? This is going to cause an unnecessary disturbance of social life. We have rights too, and the MEC must stop treating us like children.”
Madlala said each shebeen created three jobs, and asked what would happen to employees when shebeens relocated.
“We as liquor traders have rights, and if the worst comes to the worst, we may seek relief from the Constitutional Court. We are selling a substance that is not illegal. The best approach would be for the government and all other stakeholders to join hands and chart the way forward. This thing of the government thinking they can come with ready-made solutions without the involvement of other role-players will not work,” he added.
Reporters from The Star visited several shebeens in Soweto yesterday to gauge their reaction.
Mandla Mabena, 54, who runs a shebeen in Dube, said the relocation of shebeens would leave many unemployed. It was ironic that some people in government grew up in shebeens, and now that they had made it in life, wanted to have the same shebeens shut down.
Mabena, who walks with the aid of a stick, asked how he was to support his family if he had to relocate his business.
“They seriously need to reconsider this one. It does not make business sense,” he said.
Morgan Mavuka, 57, of Stress Free in Dobsonville, was outraged.
“This is like George Orwell’s Animal Farm. It would seem we fought for the liberation of this country so that the victors could oppress us. We are not going to take this matter lying down. After all, the only language government understands is to toyi-toyi. They are crazy,” said Mavuka.
Pinkie Mthimkhulu of Pinkzozo in Orlando West said the suggestion was rubbish.
“Most of us sell liquor to keep the wolf from the door. Where are we going to get the money to pay rent and electricity at these business zones they say we should relocate to? This is one of the craziest ideas I’ve ever heard in our new South Africa. What did they smoke to come up with such an unworkable, impractical and downright stupid idea? Bayasijwayela(They are not respecting us).”