Tavern Reviews: At your Service

NTHA TAVERN REVIEWS

BOYSIE’S PLACE

Owner: Wenzile Dube Organisation: NTHA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

My dad started the tavern 15 years ago. He has retired to KZN and I have taken over the running of the tavern.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

Crime is a major challenge for me. I have been a victim of crime twice in my tavern. Criminals came into my tavern both times, pulled guns and stole cash and alcohol. Thankfully no-one was hurt.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes, I would like to start serving food soon. I would like to convert part of the tavern into a restaurant and serve a full traditional food menu to my patrons.

How do you give back to your community?

I donate to the local high school in the area. When they have soccer tournaments, I sponsor each tournament and donate what they need.

LOCATION: 2704 TSHEPISONG, PHASE 2, ROODEPOORT

SALTA TAVERN REVIEWS

PETER’S TAVERN

Owner: Peter Kobola Organisation: SALTA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started my tavern in 1994 because was unemployed. I started with very little stock and operated from my house. Since then, have bought another stand next to my home and have separated my tavern and my home.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

Crime is the biggest challenge I face as a tavern owner. I have to be alert at all times to protect my staff and my patrons and my security has to be the same. In my tavern, my security searches every single person who walks through the door and that is non-negotiable. I

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Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes, I would like to save enough money to open a resort and incorporate my tavern into the resort.

How do you give back to your community?

I try to help my community in any way that I can. In the past I have donated groceries and given cash donations to those in need.

VENDA SUN

Owner: Thomani Maphorisa Organisation: NTHA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

In 2004 I started selling with one case from my home. The tavern grew as time went on. I even joined the SAB Share Scheme with the extra money that I was making and have managed to build a storeroom, shelter for customers, a drinking area and a non-smoking area.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

The relationship with the local police station is a bit of a challenge sometimes because they need to be available to us when we call upon them and crime in my community is a big issue! If they can work hand in hand with us, a lot of the crime issues will be resolved.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes, I am looking for businesses to sponsor my tavern to upgrade the look, get alcohol discounts and I can offer them branding opportunities inside and outside of my tavern.

How do you give back to your community?

I look after two kids who live next door whose parents passed away. I have made the decision to make sure that these children get everything they need because I was very close to their parents. I also have a soccer team called Venda Sun FC and this helps the community to stay fit.

LOCATION: 584B LEBONYANE STREET, ZONE 7, MEADOWLANDS

DH PUB & GRILL

Owner: Madumetja Degashu Organisation: SALTA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started my tavern in 2014. was already operating my tuckshop, which I started many years ago, but wanted to start another lucrative business. My tavern now operates next to my tuckshop. My tavern is currently operating as an off-sales and I am still extending the property to accept patrons. I will be fully operational and ready to accept lots of patrons this December.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

My challenge would be the by-laws and staying above board and following all of the liquor laws which are constantly changing. I want to remain compliant and can’t wait for my permit to be changed to a license.

How do you encourage your patrons to drink responsibly?

I educate them every chance that I get. I have signage stating that we do not sell liquor to pregnant women and to anyone who is already intoxicated. I also close very early so I can control their drinking in that way too.

How do you give back to your community?

I belong to a non-profit organisation, The Soshanguve Liquor Association, and we give back to the community by donating to all the creches in our area. In the future, we would like to start assisting vulnerable women.

BVFBA TAVERN REVIEWS

LARRY’S TAVERN

Owner: Larry Nogqala Organisation: BVFBA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started my tavern in 1996 with just few cases of beer. I was permanently employed but decided to leave my job and opted to take a package and start working for myself. a

What challenges do you face in this industry?

My challenge is that my tavern is becoming far too small. I serve so many patrons now after all these years and the numbers keep growing so it’s time to renovate and expand.

What sets your tavern apart from the rest of the taverns in your area?

The bond that I share with my patrons. There are many but I know every single person that has supported my business. I also serve a great menu which includes my popular fish and chips and my tavern has its own winning soccer team – The Pure Stars.

How do you give back to your community?

Each December, I buy food hampers for seven less fortunate households in our area. I also purchase soccer balls for the kids in our community to play with.

LOCATION: 3053 NAPE STREET, EXT 8, ROCKVILLE

DUMI’S PLACE

Owner: Dumisane Myeza Organisation: BVFBA

How did you get into the tavern trade?

I started many years ago selling from my home but on a very small scale. As demand grew, I borrowed money from my family members to expand and that is how my tavern was started.

What challenges do you face in this industry?

I sometimes struggle with the demand from my customers because I have many customers to serve and my business is still growing! I am also short of equipment to serve such a large crowd but I am slowly building my tavern up.

What sets your tavern apart from other taverns in your area?

The vibe that my tavern offers patrons is the best and my patrons keep on coming back because they love that vibe. I also serve a great menu which includes ox liver and fish and chips.

Do you have future plans for your tavern?

Yes, I would like to change my business from a tavern to a bottle store and be the main supplier to the smaller taverns in my area.

LOCATION: 733 UMSIMBITHI DRIVE, EXT 5, PONONG, VOSLOORUS