On 16 May 2026, the True Cost of Alcohol Campaign, in partnership with the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders (NHTKL), hosted a community dialogue on alcohol harm at Mavuso Great Place in Alice, Eastern Cape.
The event highlighted how alcohol harm disproportionately affects local communities, who remain excluded from licensing decisions and national policy debates like the long-stalled Liquor Amendment Bill.
Key discussion points and concerns raised:
● Taxation & Policy: Traditional leaders, including NHTKL Deputy Chairperson Nkosi Langa Mavuso, called for increased alcohol taxes to curb consumption. SAAPA advocated for formal community and traditional leadership representation at NEDLAC.
● Local Issues: Community members cited illegal shebeens, lack of enforcement, police complicity in illicit trade, and misleading licensing practices. Legitimate traders called for stricter enforcement against non-compliant operators.
● Public Participation: SAAPA is closing information gaps so communities can exercise their legal right to object to local liquor licenses and participate in national policy.
Take Action: National Treasury Alcohol Tax Review The National Treasury is conducting a public review focusing on wine and beer tax brackets.
● Submit Requests to Present: Send requests to mpho.legote@treasury.gov.za by 25 May 2026.
● Public Consultation Workshop: Held virtually on 4 June 2026 (Meeting ID: 374 527 978 942 007 | Passcode: j3Q5Gp2z).
For resources and details on how to get involved, visit www.truecostofalcohol.africa.
