Liquor traders empowered in training programme

Heineken and the Gauteng Department of Economic Development (GDED) hosted the Responsible Training Programme certification at The Empire, Parktown.

The programme saw liquor traders share knowledge to encourage responsible trading and their upskilling.

The corporate affairs director for Heineken beverages, Millicent Maroga, gave insight into what the programme entailed.

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“As Heineken, we pride ourselves on driving responsible trading of alcohol, and this programme speaks to our efforts in partnership to empower liquor traders with the right knowledge for them to run their businesses successfully, profitably and sustainably,” said Maroga. She added that the programme included:

• Digital media;
• Customer service;
• Bookkeeping;
• The registration of businesses;
• Stocktaking management; and
• Information about dedicated business bank accounts.

The liquor traders, relevant stakeholders and government representatives filled the room. The traders were ecstatic about this new venture and opportunity.

Heineken sales director Wilson Khupe congratulated the programme’s participants, saying, “We are here to partner with you. For us, this programme is important. As Heineken, we aim to improve our communities.

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“We are committed to working with taverns and investing in them to help reduce alcohol harm,” said Khupe
Pieter Holl, the deputy director of the GDED, spoke on behalf of MEC Lebogang Maile, thanking the sponsors, stakeholders and those who made this event and training possible.

“This programme celebrates knowledge-sharing, encourages safe liquor traders and upskills them. As the GDED, we are glad to be part of it.”

The traders received completion certificates and took pictures with them.

The liquor trader of Fanny’s Tavern, founder of the National Tourism and Hospitality Association and chairperson of Gauteng Liquor Trading Association, Fanny Mokoena, said, “This programme will help us to trade responsibly.

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Heineken, being a big brand, made this more impactful because they shared skills and knowledge with us.

“With the festive season coming up, we will put these into practice so as not to sell to minors, pregnant women or anyone in school uniform.

“I urge everyone to drink responsibly because we can only do so much as tavern owners.”