| 2024/11/16 | |||
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Media Statement POLOKWANE – The Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, responsible for policing Major General Jan Scheepers, together with other SAPS joined the Limpopo liquor affairs stakeholders’ engagement session, led by the MEC of LEDET, Honourable Tshitereke Matibe, held on 14 November 2024 at Meropa Casino, in Polokwane. In attendance, Executive Mayor of the Capricorn District Municipality, Her Worship Cllr Teffo, Executive Mayor of Polokwane Local Municipality, His Worship Councillor Mpe was represented by Councillor Joosuf Pemma, CEO of the Limpopo Liquor Board, Gregory Makoka, Traditional leaders, Liquor board, Liquor traders, and Industry stakeholders, members of the SAPS, Government departments, media houses and other stakeholders. Councillor Joosuf Pemma welcomed attendees, while Head of Department: LEDET, Mr Matodzi Rathumbu outlined the purpose of the engagement is to create a collaborative environment with industry for open discussions about the current liquor regulations, examining their impact on businesses, communities and other aspects. The current challenges of crime emanating from liquor licensed premises in Limpopo were presented by the Deputy Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Major General Jan Scheepers with evident provincial stats. He says the SAPS finds the engagement as a privilege to discuss vital issues regarding the amendment of the Limpopo Liquor Regulations. “It symbolizes our shared commitment to confronting the significant challenges our province faces, particularly those related to licensed liquor establishments.” “As we explore this issue, we must confront a troubling reality: alcohol is the leading contributor to various crimes in Limpopo. The statistics are alarming, rapes, assaults, murders, domestic violence, child abuse, road fatalities, and attempted murders are frequently linked to alcohol consumption, both within and outside licensed venues. Now is the time to rethink our approach. The amendment of the liquor regulations offers us an opportunity to balance the interests of the business community with the well-being of our residents.” Major General Scheepers proposed the following measures to be considered: Adjusting Closing Times: We should examine the possibility of earlier closing times for liquor outlets to minimize the post-closing influx of patrons on our streets, enabling our police to focus on preventing crime in our communities. Noise Regulations: Stricter noise control measures must be enforced to ensure that music and patron behaviour do not disrupt the peace and quiet that every community deserves, particularly during critical periods such as examinations. Community Engagement: We need to promote dialogue between liquor outlet owners and community members to foster mutual respect and understanding. This includes educational campaigns on responsible drinking and the social responsibilities of business owners. Support for Victims: We must ensure that robust support systems are in place for victims of alcohol-related violence, providing them with the necessary resources to heal and rebuild their lives. The MEC of LEDET, Honourable Tshitereke Matibe, in his keynote message, he shared the statistics of the 2022 research provided by the Drinks Federation of South Africa revealed as “the Liquor industry contributed R226.3 billion or 3.6 % to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product. The alcohol industry boasts a sizeable claim to the number of employed South African citizens. It provides jobs to more than 500 000 employees in the country and proudly contributes R215.5 billion in households’ income.” He said that “As we embark on this journey to navigate the legislative bottlenecks of the liquor industry, let us remember that the true measure of progress is not only in economic terms but also in how well we balance growth with responsibility. This is a pivotal moment for the industry, and we have the opportunity to shape its future in a way that benefits everyone. I urge the business owners, community representatives, regulators, and policymakers to take ownership of this mission. By working together, we can create an environment where businesses thrive, communities prosper, and the industry grows responsibly” remarked MEC Tshitereke Matibe. Attendees were guided on the steps to give their inputs on the proposed amendment to the liquor regulations. Following the commissions, they posed questions and clarifications focusing on the social, economic, and regulatory aspects. Ends
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