Almost 300 000 livelihoods on the line

WC wine industry needs a lifeline

The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the increase in support of the international market in regards to exports across Europe and the US of South African wines. According to Wine of SA, the overall value of export markets increased by 8%, to R9.1 billion Rand, in the year 2020.

This growth for the industry, largely based in the Western Cape, has come in spite of a hostile regulatory environment from national government. The importance of both local and international markets provides the country with a stronger standing in currency, offers job creation, as well as enables the province to economically recover.

For this reason, we support the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) call to national government to allow the sale of alcohol for offsite consumption from Monday to Thursday, as well as the sale of wines at wine estates over the weekend. National Government must, and with urgency, take heed of the Western Cape call for a differentiated approach in light of the fact that the province has seen the number of Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations reduced.

We have passed the peak of the second wave of infections, and so the regulations must match our particular circumstances as a province.

Without this, at least 290 000 livelihoods, dependent on our wine industry, will be devastated. The consequences of the first two alcohol bans were severe, with a R7,5bn loss in revenue and 80 wineries and 350 producers have shut their doors. This led to a loss of at least 18,000 employees.

I will therefore write to the provincial Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, in request of details pertaining to the WCG’s interactions with national government on this matter along with support offered to our wine industry at this time.

The DA in the Western Cape remains committed to creating and maintaining a strong agricultural environment, ensuring job security and creating an environment in which businesses can thrive.