Liquor traders vow to protect customers during the festive season

Liquor traders have vowed to fight gender-based violence during the festive period by becoming ambassadors of GBV in their local areas.

Members of the Concerned Tshwane Liquor Traders Association made their intentions clear when they gathered at Moretele Park as part of the last of 16 Days of Activism against GBV last Tuesday.

They also visited homes that were affected or victims of GBV by donating care packs including sanitary pads and toiletries.

President of the organisation, Oupa Mthombeni, said they held the awareness campaign because the organisation is totally against GBV.

“Our message is loud and clear because we are not traders only, but part of the community where this violence is happening.

“We need to report gender-based violence as tavern owners, but the first step is prevention of which, as traders, we need to comply first with the rules and regulations of the Liquor Act,” said Mthombeni.

He appealed to all liquor traders to become ambassadors of GBV.

“The aim is to prevent GBV and avoid the opening of cases that can lead to families separating. GBV affects everyone, including men, and forms part of the government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children,” he said.

“Liquor traders must also make sure that their customers don’t overspend during the festive season, and they should stop selling liquor to people who are carrying a lot of money at the taverns.”

He said they were supporting GBV victims with sanitary pads, “because, at the end of the day, children are the ones who are suffering”.

Lucky Timane, convener of National Liquor Traders Council, said although the movement to end GBV requires full-time focus 365 days a year, the 16 Days of Activism is a very important part of the strive to ensure the safety and security of everyone in society.

“Since it’s the last day, we saw it fit to visit families that are victims and affected by GBV to give moral support,” he said.

Timane said liquor traders are part of the community.

“We came together to make sure and agree that we are going to do the right thing this festive season. Trade in a responsible way and ensure that we don’t put money ahead of the needs of our people.”

Timane added compliance was going not to be by mouth only this festive season.

“We are going to comply with all the rules and regulations that govern the sales of alcohol and go beyond that by making sure our community enjoys the festive season in peace,” he said.

Mthobeni added that support should not come in words, but in deeds.

“We are going to donate school shoes for the victims of GBV when the school reopens next year.”

Other stakeholders who took part in the campaign were mental health representatives, the Women’s Brigade, community safety, Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, metro police, and Mamelodi police.

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