Booze ban ‘a major setback’, say Roodepoort traders
“We have had to adjust hours so that everyone could get a few hours' pay while we are faced with the terrible reality of some stock expiring and having to be thrown away.”
A few days before New Year’s Eve 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that South Africa would be waltzing into the New Year sans alcohol.
South Africa is by far the country on the continent worst hit by the coronavirus, with more than 1,3 million cases and over 36 000 deaths.
With the rise in Covid-19 cases and more police visibility, alcohol traders in the Roodepoort area had to close their doors since the first ban.
But some have found imaginative ways to convert their businesses to survive, at least temporarily.
Owner of Thandabantu Shebeen in Matholesville, Sindiswa Jamangile revealed to the Record that her biggest fear is sales being banned for much longer, as the industry will face more job losses and the closure of smaller businesses.
GP Liquor Store on Progress Road in Grobler Park provides a three-in-one service and has had to place staff that would usually work in the liquor store, into a different area to ensure that they are still able to work and earn a salary.
“It scares me that we ultimately will not be able to sell our stock, which means further losses for us.
“It is possible that the stock will be reduced to half the price by the supplier, or will become a company expense, resulting in loss of profits for the retailer,” said GP Liquor Store owner Lee.
Kings Butchery and Liquor Bar situated in the heart of the busy Roodepoort taxi rank is another business that is feeling the pinch of a complete ban on liquor sales. According to assistant manager, Bongani Mthethwa, their cleaners and other staff are sitting at home with no money to feed their families.
“We have had to adjust hours so that everyone could get a few hours’ pay while we are faced with the terrible reality of some stock expiring and having to be thrown away,” said Bongani.
While those in the alcohol trading industry support government’s efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19 and to free up hospitals space, they fear a prolonged ban on booze sales will be the final nail in their businesses’ coffin.
