Gogo Mbokota promotes responsible drinking
The assessment is based on how they do in terms of compliance with liquor regulations, not selling to underage children and overall safety of the establishment.
Gogo Asnath Mbokota received a platinum certificate from the South African Breweries (SAB) and the Gauteng Liquor Board in recognition for her work in promoting responsible alcohol trading and consumption.
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The handover ceremony was held at her tavern in Chiawelo on Wednesday last week.
This also formed part of Women’s Moth celebration and recognising the role of women in growing the township economy while promoting responsible alcohol consumption.
Mbokota is the first women tavern owner to achieve platinum status through SAB’s Responsible Trading Programme (RTP).
The RTP was initiated last year by the beer maker and other stakeholders in an effort to curb harmful alcohol consumption and lower the rate of Covid-19 transmissions.
The programme continues beyond the pandemic and local business owners like Gogo Mbokota have been working from the frontline to push the message about responsible drinking in communities.
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“We are all responsible for our actions and can take the extra steps needed to protect our communities.
“I believe in this programme as it helps me create a safer and healthier community and also grow my business.”
When the RTP was launched last year, an audit of liquor traders was done across the country.
This resulted in more than 30,000 liquor outlets getting accredited under the programme.
Taverns are judged based on a system which puts them under the Silver, Gold and Platinum categories.
The assessment is based on how they do in terms of compliance with liquor regulations, not selling to underage children and overall safety of the establishment.
Out of over 30,000 liquor traders under the RTP programme, Gogo Mbokota is the first one to reach platinum status.
“We are proud of Gogo Mbokota for her achievements and wish to raise her up as an example to follow.
She is a real inspiration to her community and provides a shining light for other woman who wants to grow their businesses responsibly,” said SAB regional corporate affairs director, Kgosi Mogotsi.
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“To reach platinum is the ultimate goal. We want to get as many traders up to this level as possible, but it has to be done the right way for the good of our communities,” Mogotsi continued.
It is hoped that Gogo Mbokota’s achievement will inspire other business owners across Soweto and beyond to practice responsible trading.
“Our retailers are on the frontlines of this industry. They are the ones who engage with our communities.
Working together through initiatives like the Responsible Trading Programme, we can make a tangible impact and champion a more responsible country together,” concluded the Chief Director of the Gauteng Liquor Board Advocate, Fati Manamela.
