Update on NTHA General Meeting and GLF Leadership Workshop

NTHA COLUMN

UPDATE ON NTHA GENERAL MEETING AND GLF LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP

On 27 June, the NTHA General Meeting was held to inform members about the status of their industry. As an association of liquor traders, NTHA needs to keep members aware of what is happening and to also inform them about the future as to what will be the outcome regarding their business’ legal status and shebeen permits. Furthermore, NTHA needs to engage with members to find solutions to daily challenges in their businesses and to remedy these challenges together so we can deal with customers effectively. NTHA reported back on the meeting that we had with the liquor board and the municipality on 30 May 2018. Invitations were sent to participating associations, namely NTHA, GLF, SALTA, GAULIBA and CONSENT TSHWANE to discuss the sad, confusing and disturbing comments by members at the previous meeting. It has come to light that members have been given summonses to their businesses in 21 days for not having consent use. Some have had to close their businesses because the owner who could be a husband, wife or parent, has died. Does this mean that their business must die with them because the board does not do ownership transfers? What kind of call is this? What happened to uzenzele? The outcome of this could have a negative impact on families whose survival depends on these businesses. We need sustainable businesses that should be able to continue to avoid turning into closed-down buildings where kids and dependants have instead become street kids or turn to crime for survival. As per the requirements of two toilets, a smoking & non-smoking area, bar with several fridges and business furniture, it is unfair and out-of-reach to many of these very small businesses. Not to forget how difficult it is to apply for a liquor license if you are a small business located in the township but big chain stores and franchises are taking advantage of this as they are mushrooming in our townships. As an example, to apply for a liquor license in Mogale City, you need to advertise in two newspapers at a cost of about R950 each, while the application cost at the board is R3 000. You also need to submit 25 copies of documentation to 25 different departments. This is unaffordable and not user-friendly to small business owners.

Elected members attending the GLF Leadership Development Workshop

GLF Leadership Development Workshop

In November 2017, the Gauteng Liquor Forum (GLF) held elections and new office bearers were elected. At the beginning of the year there was an agreement that GLF board members should undergo leadership development workshops with the help and sponsorship of Frontline Africa Advisory. The objective of the board was a success and engagement with the Ndofaya Hospitality Academy was initiated to be the one to roll out the programme as the provider. The Business Ethics workshop, NQF Level 2, Credit:3 was delivered on the 5th and 6th of May 2018 by the facilitator, assessor and moderator of Ndofaya Hospitality Academy, Mr Sizwe Nkosi. We would also like to give thanks to Frontline Africa Advisory for blessing us with their presence on the induction day.

Associations unite at SAB World of Beer

On 28 June, SALTA, GAULIBA, GLF and CONSENT TSHWANE, united to meet at the SAB World of Beer. Each association was represented by two members which were elected at associations review meetings, so that the united associations could have an effective working relationship to ensure that they have a platform to address challenges faced by black liquor traders in townships.

Phumzile Ratladi, NTHA secretary