By: Natasha Archary
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has received backlash on social media over his support of the Heineken “taverns of the future” project.
The Premier said the project will bolster investments and the future of townships, creating jobs and opportunities for all.
Taverns of the future is a campaign that aims to change the tavern landscape with Heineken partnering with other brands to transform impoverished taverns, many without basic amenities.
The project which started in May 2022, is set to include 42 townships in 8 provinces, which includes Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern and Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and the Free State.
To date, 120 taverns have been transformed with upgrades, and coaching throughout the year.
However, Lesufi’s previous stance that South Africa’s problems with alcohol are real, and that the country should strive to be alcohol-free, have now been questioned with his support for the taverns of the future project.
The Premier was accused of further crippling black-owned businesses, and negating the country’s history of alcohol abuse.
Singer Thandiswa Mazwai lambasted the Premier, criticizing the lack of support and initiatives to grow the entertainment and arts sector with upgrades to learning facilities.
“The dop system had our forefathers hooked with no future. We complain about alcohol advertising in the kasi, and they they do this? South Africans already have trauma and a huge booze problem. No!
What we should be thinking about Mr Lesufi, is how to bring more arts and science centers for the future of our children. The black community is already drowning in booze.
Especially bored young people. The tavern of the future is only here to cement the destruction of black people.
You could be upgrading kasi schools. Many have remained the same since I was a kid. No sport grounds, no music or arts center. Also, the kasi is full of unemployed people who drink to forget, and you do this?”
Thandiswa Mazwai lambasts Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi
Counter-revolutionary!!!! Especially with the history of booze in this country! The dop system had our forefathers hooked with no future! We complain about alcohol advertising in the kasi and then they do this??? South Africans already have trauma and a massive booze problem!NO! https://t.co/3wVddYmtbR
— Thandiswa Mazwai (@thandiswamazwai) November 16, 2023
However, Lesufi defended his decision, telling people to “Wait until we launch and see how this is a major ground breaking initiative to empower our communities.”
To qualify for these upgrades and support, tavern owners need to commit to and sign agreements showcasing themselves as responsible alcohol resellers.
These commitments include not selling alcohol before lunchtime, not selling to those under 18 years of age, and further agreeing to ensure that they do not encourage or support excessive alcohol consumption.
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