EFF rejects the movement of alcohol by SAB and Johann Rupert

9 April 2020

The EFF rejects the logic that suggests the movement of alcohol by South African Breweries (SAB) must be permitted and is essential. It has been in the public domain that trucks belonging to SAB were stopped by law enforcement officials and personnel was arrested for breaching lockdown regulations.

SAB has put the lives of these workers at risk for a service that was by no means essential in the midst of a national lockdown to combat a global pandemic. Provisions to them for permits to conduct this movement of alcohol should be revoked and the employers who put the lives of workers at risk for the movement of alcohol products must be investigated.

The EFF is further disturbed by the provision given to the Stellenbosch lobby to continue to export wine, while the sale and movement of alcohol within the country has been prohibited during the lockdown period. The supposed "Wine Industry", through proxy wine advocates such as Vinpro, which have been granted this relief are simply lobby groups of the Rupert family that continues to be given privileged rights above others in this country due to their proximity to those in government. To allow them to continue to export and profit from wine while many other industries have come to halt is an expression of how great the capture this lobby has over our government. This is after the very same Rupert has been allowed to establish a loan-shark scheme under the guise of philanthropy. This scheme will indebt small business in this country, by giving out loans and avoiding all licensing process that would normally be required due to its mask of aid.

The capture of the state by white-monopoly capital is being consolidated at a time of human crisis and the ruling government is complicit. Rupert must not be allowed to export wine, a non-essential service, while other sectors of business that do not have the privilege of rich lobby groups are restricted from operating.

The legitimacy and integrity of this lockdown, which is in the health interests of all South African citizens is being undermined by those in power and their handlers on a daily basis. As days pass, we must not be surprised when ordinary citizens follow the example being set by those in power. An example of undermining lockdown regulations by having the law apply to certain citizens and not others.

Issued by Vuyani Pambo, National Spokesperson, EFF, 9 April 2020