Sedibeng Liquor Traders Association formed

SEBOKENG.- After a recent successful meeting of the liquor traders in Sebokeng, the Sedibeng Liquor Traders Association has been formed.

This was under the assistance and insistence of Build One South Africa (BOSA) Sedibeng. The meeting which was for all tavern, shebeen, and pub owners of businesses that have been closed because of non-compliance was held at Sing’s Lounge in Zone 11, Sebokeng went well, and was impressively attended.

At the meeting, it was resolved that all previously certified but closed outlets must open and continue/ start trading with immediate effect.

A  new Sedibeng Liquor Traders Association was established with new executives also nominated with members as follows:

• Katleho Bokaba (Chairperson)
• Mantoa Mokhethi (Chairlady)
• Abey Khathatso (Regional Coordinator)
• Joseph Ratema (Deputy Secretary)
• Mapila Mathiya (Deputy Treasure)
• Ernest Nkopane (Spokesperson)
• Kennedy Mohalane (Treasure)
• Saki Madia (General Secretary)

In support of the liquor traders, BOSA Sedibeng said:

“Build One South Africa (BOSA), is not impressed by shenanigans happening within the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB) and resolved to stand in solidarity with all shebeens, taverns, and pub owners who are being harassed by corrupt law enforcement officers and misguided politicians who are abusing their authority and use it as an instrument to fulfill their political agenda to purely undermine the rights of the poor black people in the townships.”

BOSA Sedibeng said that it has learned that the Gauteng Liquor Board has stopped giving out liquor licenses until they can deal with the issue of substance abuse in Gauteng

“Build One South Africa (BOSA) is not impressed by this decision and we feel that it is irrational and has ruffled the futures of over 350 desperate black entrepreneurs within the liquor industry. The Gauteng Liquor Board and the premier of Gauteng must stop bullying the shebeen/tavern owners by allowing Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) and the SAPS to act outside the law by breaking into the premises of the owners and steal cash, and confiscate alcohol”

BOSA called for what they are calling. ‘Liquor License Trading Amnesty,’ in Sedibeng, to try and deal with the conflict between Sedibeng Liquor Traders and Gauteng Liquor Board.

“We further must warn the (SAPS, CPW) to stop harassing these outlets henceforth to avoid unnecessary clashes, since these liquor traders can no longer tolerate the harassment and we shall seek legal advice, as we consider lodging civil claims against (the) state. We encourage interested entrepreneurs who do not have any permits or licenses whatsoever to STOP trading illegally, while we urge the Association to assist with compliance,  and submissions to avoid scammers who have already taken advantage of this situation to also steal from the poor.”