A collective approach is needed

GLF COLUMN

A COLLECTIVE APPROACH IS NEEDED When we discuss matters facing our communities, unity is crucial

We need to enhance a collective approach and cooperative mechanisms to safety and security and liquor law enforcement. To that end, public participation involving all stakeholders will be an effective means to make determined efforts in dealing with the causes and the symptoms of crime. This can be achieved by conducting workshops to all regions. These workshops should be attended by all liquor traders, local police stations' liquor officers and bylaw enforcement officers. They must be conducted annually. Liquor traders associations should also take the responsibility of educating their membership to understand the legislation including Acts, Bylaws and Policies. In partnering with law enforcement agencies and holding regular meetings, the associations will be enhancing a unified approach in dealing with the causes and symptoms of crime, which will empower all stakeholders in doing their business as well as in their relationship with one another. GLF-affiliated associations hold regular meetings with their constituencies discussing compliance and encouraging them to register their establishments as small businesses in order for them to get support from the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Environmental Health in particular, which is responsible for monitoring food control and other matters related to a clean environment.

Recently the country has experienced a devastating outbreak of listeriosis which has been isolated to Enterprise Foods and the Rainbow Chicken factory. Food safety is of utmost importance, extensive testing of their meat products should be done on an ongoing basis. The nation cannot afford any lapses that will cost human lives. Also, in our establishments there must be health control measures in place, in order to maintain the highest hygiene standards. Most liquor traders are using processed meat products to provide light meals to their patrons before alcohol consumption. Commonly used meat products are ham, bacon, sausages, polony, russians and viennas. The listeriosis outbreak has affected a lot of businesses in revenue generation. Illicit trading in food and tobacco products must be eradicated by our government institutions as it adversely affects the economy of the country. GLF members recently embarked on a protest action against illicit trading. GLF attended this march in solidarity with FAWU, the Food and Allied Workers Union. The march was a success and it had an impact. The memorandum was handed over to SARS officials in Brooklyn, Pretoria. Compatriots, alone, I can say, but together, we can talk and the voices will be louder. Unity is very important; let us form a united front to fight our common enemy and to achieve our common objective.

Musa Ntshangase, secretary, Gauteng Liquor Forum