"Police and liquor traders should work together" - Shongwe

5 October 2011

The Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety Security and Liaison has called on police officers and liquor traders to work together in the fight against alcohol abuse harm that is destroying communities. MEC Vusi Shongwe was speaking at a rally organised to empower liquor traders near White River. 

Shongwe urged the two parties not to behave as enemies and urged a spirit of co-operation, following feedback to the MEC that during police operations at liquor outlets, some owners encouraged patrons to fight or attack the police. Some traders have clearly not welcomed the police raids visited upon their establishments resulting in an atmosphere of hostility.

The MEC indicated that liquor traders should be happy when police visit them, and advised that only those who operate illegally would have reservations about law enforcement agencies raiding their outlets.

“This is because of greed among traders. Usually the greedy ones would also sell alcohol to minors, pregnant women and intoxicated people.

“As Mpumalanga is the best in terms of fighting crime in the country, there is a need to be the best in responsible liquor trading and the reduction of alcohol intake, especially among young people,” said Shongwe.

He was talking to more than 200 liquor traders from Ehlanzeni Region who participated in the South African Breweries Limited’s (SAB) Responsible Trader Programme (RTP) Education Rally at Pine Lake Inn near White River. The programme is being rolled out in partnership with the department, to empower traders with the knowledge and skills to trade responsibly. 

Intoxicated customers, underage drinking, drinking and driving and pregnant women drinking, were some of the issues dealt with during the new programme aimed at promoting the responsible trading of alcohol.

The mass training session brings to more than 7000 the number of traders who have graduated from the RTP nationally since it was launched in August.

The RTP is a national high impact and holistic approach to engaging liquor traders on alcohol abuse and the harm it causes communities. It is also the first programme in the country to actively position the liquor trader as a champion in the fight against alcohol abuse. The programme highlights the importance of trading responsibly to ensure the sustainability of the businesses of liquor traders.  

RTP was developed in response to the company’s deep concern about the harm alcohol abuse can cause to individuals, families and communities. Its objective is to encourage self-regulation amongst traders by creating awareness of the social, health and economic consequences of irresponsible trading. Added to the devastating impact of alcohol abuse on communities and individuals, irresponsible traders face tough consequences for their behaviour, including the potential loss of their trading license and in turn, a loss in income.

SAB executive director of Corporate Affairs and Transformation, Dr Vincent Maphai, said during the rally: “As recognised leaders in their respective communities, our trader partners are the most powerful force in the fight against the harm caused by alcohol abuse. Behaving responsibly and creating awareness amongst their customers and staff of the dangers of alcohol abuse can have a long term positive impact on the sustainability of communities and trader business.”

SAB and DCSSL believes that the most effective way to address alcohol abuse is through targeted interventions, such as the Responsible Trader Programme, which focus on those drinking patterns that are associated with harm. Proven approaches include improved education, good enforcement and strong self-regulation.

SAB has educated more than 10 000 traders across South Africa during 2011 and will continue to invest in the RTP well into the future. Training will be divided into Mass Education Rallies and Classroom style sessions.

The Responsible Trader Programme focuses on three key areas:

1. Creating awareness about the harm caused by alcohol abuse and the role the trader plays in driving a reduction of alcohol abuse in their respective communities;
2. Building trader competence to actively ensure responsible trading in the outlet; and
3. Building trader competence to create awareness amongst outlet staff and customers about responsible trading and the harm caused by alcohol abuse

“We believe that true progress in the fight against alcohol abuse in South Africa can only be achieved when all relevant role players, including industry and regulators, join forces to provide more robust and wide reaching initiatives. It is impossible for a single individual or institution to turn this grave situation we are facing around. We need to work together to achieve real and positive change,” said Dr Maphai.

Shongwe commended SAB for their investment in the empowerment of liquor traders. He said that this programme will go a long way in assisting the police in the fight against crime as they will focus on hard core crime rather than to monitor liquor outlets.  

Enquiries:

Joseph Mabuza
Senior Manager: Communications (DCSSL)
Tel: +27 13 766 4055
Cell:+27 82 678 1450
Email: emabuza@mpg.gov.za

Refentse Shinners
Corporate Affairs Manager: North Region (SAB)
Tel: +27 12 621 9146
Fax: +27 86 681 4720 
Mobile: +27 82 924 2134
Email: Refentse.Shinners@za.sabmiller.com

Issued by the Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison, Mpumalanga Provincial Government

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