Nafcoc enters liquor fray

Addressing Gauteng Liquor Traders Association (GLTA) delegates at the packed Reiger Park Community Hall, Ratswana was accompanied by the organisation’s regional general secretary Ncane Mthunzi, to give support to the embattled liquor traders.

He urged all small businesses in the townships to continue the fight to have their enterprises legalised, to ensure that they are able to operate within the confines of the law.

However, Ratswana condemned the recent liquors on traders in Reiger Park and other areas around Kathorus by the SAPS’ Liquor Control Unit, led by Lt Col Kobus Rautenbach.

He asaid the fact that the raids were confined to the townships confirmed how certain government departments regarded black-owned businesses in the townships.

“It is sad that we gather here today to discuss the harassment of small businesses in the township while a criminal case involving the murder of a Kathorus liquor trader is currently being heard at the Palm Ridge High Court,” said Ratswana, who described shebeen owners as being caught between the criminals in tekkies and the men in blue.

“If it is not the police who harass you and arrest you at your premises, it is the criminal element that robs and kills you in your businesses. We expect the police to protect all businesses, but who is protecting you from the harassment of corrupt police officers?” asked Ratswana, drawing loud approval from the crowd.

Ratswana called for black businesses in the townships to unite and work together. He said black businesses need to come up with a strategy to protect their own interests. He hinted at a possible national boycott of South African Breweries (SAB) products in the townships in order to draw attention to the pleas of liquor traders.

Ratswana told delegates at the meeting that Nafcoc would work closely with the GLTA to facilitate the legalisation of liquor traders in the townships.