Strong Leadership Key in Moving Forward

Stokvels: Tips for Year-End Grocery Bulk-Buying

GLF COLUMN

GLF committed to strengthening associations ahead of elections STRONG LEADERSHIP IS KEY IN MOVING FORWARD

We, as GLF, use this column as a means to communicate to our fellow traders about what is really happening in our industry. We would like to highlight the issue of shebeen permits. We believe that the Gauteng province is the only province that has provided this type of licence which traders are issued to use. It was the first and last, according to the government departments. On the 30th of September 2014, the MEC for Economic Development, Mr Lebogang Maile, issued a statement where he stated that ALL shebeen permits remain valid until the board finalises the shebeen licence application. Since then, we have been waiting for a court judgment, which should have been handed down by now. There has been a new announcement from the Police Provincial Commissioner, Colonel Rautenbach, that the act of 2003 was amended and the shebeen permit allows the holder to sell only 60 cases of 750ml per week. This came as a surprise to the leadership of Gauteng Liquor Forum, as we all know that the last copy stated that you are allowed to sell all kinds of liquor. In fact, when the permit was issued, there were no conditions attached. Even the Liquor Board, which are the custodians of this very permit, were not aware of this ruling, which was on the Government Gazette from 2006. The liquor traders are now caught in the middle of two government agents – the SAPS and the LGB. We are calling for interference from the MEC, who must respond on a proposed liquor summit that is long overdue. On the proposed liquor summit, we want all the departments that deal with compliance to be present, because there is too much confusion within our industry. With regard to news on the GLF front, there has been improvement whereby after the passing of our Treasurer, Mr Bra Sy Motsweatsa, Mr Thabo Modise of Gauliba, from the Thokoza branch, was nominated to fill Bra Sy’s shoes. The Ekurhuleni liquor traders are calling every liquor trader in Ekurhuleni to contact Mr Bongani Mabuza to find out about the latest developments around Ekurhuleni concerning liquor trading. He can be reached on 0728717054. In the month of June, there were several elections amongst Gauteng Liquor Forum affiliates in preparation for the GLF elections, which will possibly be held before the end of the year. Changes in office after the elections were as follows:

Mr Amos Mnguni - Chairperson of the BVFBA

Boksburg Vosloorus Food and Beverage Association (BVFBA) chairperson – Mr. Amos Mbongiseni Mnguni, General Secretary – Mr Musawenkosi and Deputy SecretaryIshmael Ntshangase, Mr Isaac Mofokoane – Treasurer, Ms Wendy Ntombikayise Mngadi – Head of Communication, Mr Neo KhoaripeDisciplinary Committee, Mr Dan Mohlala, and additional Executive members are Mrs Reginah Lebyane, Mr Elias Moshane and Ms Thabisile Lydia Qwabe. This is the strongest office by far for the BVFBA. GAULIBA Katlehong also had an opportunity to elect a new office after the passing of the former Chairperson, Mr Simon Moswetsa. The newly elected Chairperson is Mr Bongani Mabuza, Deputy Chairperson – Mr Thabo Motshweneng, General Secretary – Ms Busisiwe Mthimkhulu, Deputy Secretary – Ms Sibongile Ngoato, Treasurer – Mr Lucas Ngcobo, and additional Executive Committee members are Ms Lindy Mashego, Mr Sibusiso Mogano and Ms Mokgo Modise. Katlehong Liquor Traders Association (KALTA) also had its elections, with the following changes. Chairperson – Mr Joel Thakadu, General Secretary – Ms Tseleng Motsei, Deputy Secretary – Mr Eric Mvumvu and Treasurer-Ms Fikile Phiri, Ms Sesi Masuku – Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Matati Mabaso, and additional Executive Members are Mr Ephraim Lephoto, Ms Khensane Ngema, Mr Jonny Sebothoma and Mr Hezekiel Nkosi.

These elections show how serious the GLF is in strengthening the associations and proves that once there are elections in the Gauteng Liquor Forum, the elected leaders will have support coming from strong leaders within their respected associations.