Ward 73 councillor Sinethemba Matiwane and the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng are concerned about several liquor outlets operating within 500m of 10 schools in the ward.
The schools affected are:
• Lee Rand Primary School
• Lee Rand High School
• Willowmoore High School
• St Columba’s School
• Westwood Primary School
• Benoni Educational College
•Albertina Sisulu Primary School
•Kingsway Secondary School
• Kingsway Intermediate School and
• Dalpark Learning Academy
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The City Times visited Albertina Sisulu Primary School and Kingsway Secondary School and found a liquor outlet within less than 500m of both schools.
“School children are exposed to alcohol,” stated Matiwane.
“Some of the negative impacts associated with alcohol include domestic violence, robberies and even stabbings.
“If learners are not in school uniform they might be able to buy alcohol undetected.
“These liquor outlets have a negative impact on learning and teaching at these 10 schools,” the DA revealed in a press release.
Lerato Monyane, media liaison officer from the EMPD, denied that there are any liquor outlets close to St Columba’s School but confirmed that there are liquor stores close to Dalpark Learning Academy, Lee Rand Primary School, Lee Rand High School, Westwood Primary School and Benoni Educational College.
She further said that there is a bottle store on the corner of Harpur Avenue, corner Bunyan Street.
“Also a pub in Bunyan Street between Ampthill Avenue and Princes Avenue, almost within 500 meters from Willomoore High School.”
The DA stated that they have contacted MEC Panyaza Lesufi regarding the matter.
It claims Lesufi has acknowledged their concern and responded, saying his department and the liquor board frequently interact regarding the approval of liquor licenses for outlets situated near schools.
“This clearly indicates that the Gauteng Liquor Board is contravening Section 30 (3) of the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003 which states that the Gauteng Liquor Board shall grant an application in the case of premises not situated within a radius of 500 metres in the vicinity of a place of worship and educational institution,” stated the DA.
“We demand that action be taken against those liquor outlets that are contravening Section 30 (3) of the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has been contacted for comment.
No comment was received at the time of going to print.
