Tebogo Msimanga |
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on President Cyril Ramaphosa and “his government” to end the “economically crippling” alcohol ban with immediate effect.
DA Shadow Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Dean Macpherson said after today’s announcement by South African Breweries (SAB) that they have cancelled another investment of R2.5 billion along with their earlier cancelled investment of R2.5 billion, all being a direct result of the ban on alcohol sales, “it is abundantly clear that this ill-thought ban is having devastating economic consequences for South Africa.”
It is estimated that 165 000 people have lost their jobs due to successive alcohol bans.
The DA said the Liquor legislation has been sitting with the President Ramaphosa and Parliament for the last 6 years.
“The DA has made progressive and sensible comments and proposed workable solutions to combat alcohol abuse directly to the Department of Trade and Industry, however, the Cabinet and the President are found wanting when it comes to expediting this legislation.”
Macpherson added that the time has come for President Ramaphosa to show leadership over this unfolding economic crisis, “solely created by him”.
