Andricus van der Westhuizen, MPP and the DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture & Environmental Affairs says that Government’s continued blanket ban of alcohol is set to further harm the Western Cape’s wine industry and farming sector, with a significant impact on emerging farming and alcohol-related enterprises owned and managed by persons of colour. A recent Vinpro study shows that 46% of Black-owned wine brands and enterprises are unlikely to survive the year.
The President has on many occasions highlighted his government’s plans for a more equitable, inclusive economy post Covid-19. But it is the very action of a blanket alcohol ban which threatens to halt any efforts for transformation in this industry given that black emerging wine farmers receive around 64% of their revenue from local sales.
If national government doesn’t backtrack and adapt its approach, entrepreneurs in this industry will soon join immense unemployment figures in the country. We therefore urge national government to allow, amongst other measures, for the following:
- Restaurants to sell wine during in-dining services. Between 18-20% of South Africa’s alcohol volumes are sold in restaurants, according to Vinpro;
- Wine farms to conduct tastings. This is critical for agri-tourism and the livelihoods of thousands of agriculture employees in the Western Cape; and
- For the transportation of wine in limited quantities, for example, through safe online deliveries.
We support Premier Winde’s call for more innovative solutions to be embraced such that the healthcare sector is not overwhelmed by hospitalisations. A balance must be reached so that we uphold the livelihoods upon which many depend in this province. Our alcohol industry is not a singular entity on its own; it supports many industries, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, all of whom help keep residents in jobs.
Government can no longer be reactive and be mere spectators to the effects of the pandemic. The only way to save lives and livelihoods is ensuring that the supply of vaccines is significantly bolstered to ensure efficient immunisation against Covid-19. Only then can we truly begin rebuilding the economy.
