IN-TOUCHPutting you in touch with why what we do matters

ISSUE: APRIL • 2018

EDITOR’S NOTEIt is an absolute pleasure to present to you, our dear reader, this Edition of our In-Touch external newsletter to ensure that you are kept abreast of all our endeavours. Our readers will fi nd this edition truly special as it serves as a report back to you, our important clients, on programmes we embarked on to encourage and support the liquor industry, ensure full compliance of licensed traders and eliminate identifi ed illegal trading and last but not least, manage and reduce the socio-economic alcohol consumption in the province.

There has been an enormous improvement on the license renewals and we applaud liquor traders for this and encourage them to renew timeously so that we reach 100% in our next renewal period.

In this Edition we refl ect on the extensive drunk driving campaign that was conducted in Mthatha and the school-based programme held in Grahamastown. At the heart of our programmes is the Social Responsibility programme, which seeks to develop and leave something tangible for communities, which was conducted in Mbizana through sport in a village called Baleni.

We report on the completed research report on the study conducted in the Nelson Mandela Metro at Bethelsdorp on the prevalence of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. We also report on the preliminary fi ndings of the study that is currently being conducted in Buffalo City Metro on the prevalence of alcohol consumption among pregnant women focusing on Mdantsane and Gonubie. The Board prides its self on being an innovative organisation that is always looking for new convenient ways to fi ght inconsiderate trading and has

recently launched a WhatsApp number (076403 6223) where community members can report inconsiderate trading. The complaints can be reported through video, photos and voice messages. We bid farewell to Mr Yingwana who just retired and we wish him a wonderful retirement; he will be missed and never forgotten. Congratulations are in order for the newly appointed Board member Mr Batembu & Mr Mfula who is the newly appointed senior inspector in the Cradock District Offi ce. Please direct all your complaints to our toll free line 0800 000 420 and or WhatsApp number on 076403 6223.

Please enjoy this Edition.

INFORMATIONTHE EDITORIAL TEAMEditor in Chief : Mr M. MsiyaNews Editor : Ms M. Nogilana

Mr. Msiya, Ms.Mgwali, Ms. Mohamet, Ms. Nyamakazi,

Ms. Msongelwa, Ms.Nogilana, Mr.Fani, Mr. Funani & Mr.Kauleza.

Publisher: Eastern Cape Liquor Board

Eastern Cape Liquor Board 10 Beacon Bay CrossingBonza Bay RoadBeacon BayEast London

For enquiries please usethe following contact details;Telephone : 043 7000 900Fax : 043 7264 101

Also fi nd us on Twitter: @ECLiquorBoard; Facebook: Eastern Cape Liquor Board; Website www.eclb.co.zaComplaints WhattsApp Number: 076 403 6223

CONTENT Page

EDITO’S NOTE 2

CEO MESSAGE 3

BOARD PLEASED WITH LIQUOR LICENSE

RENEWAL4

EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD IS DETERMINED TO FIGHT DRUNK DRIVING

5

PRESENTATION OF THE PRELIMINARY RESEARCH FINDINGS

6

GRAHAMSTOWN LEARNERS TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING THROUGH DEBATE

& DRAMA7

GALLERY 8

GALLERY 9

ECLB CONTINUES TO FIGHT ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE 10

ECLB RELEASES REPORT ON THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED ON FAS IN BETHELSDORP

11

BLITZ OPERATION IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS 12

A NEW BOARD MEMBER JOINS ECLB 12

ECLB WELCOMES SENIOR INSPECTOR,

MR MFULA IN OUR CRADOCK OFFICE13

ECLB BIDDING FAREWELL TO VETERAN INSPECTOR MR YINGWANA 14

EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD EMBARKED ON A VIGOROUS EASTER

WEEKEND CAMPAIGN TO ALLEVIATE

DRUNK-DRIVING

15

3

CEO’s

MESSAGEMr KC Maneli

As we progress with the new fi nancial year, I am ener-gized by the entity’s focus on opportunities presented by MEC Sakhumzi Somyo in the Policy Speech 2018/19. Our strategic determination is exclusively focused on relentlessly working towards heightening our efforts to revolutionise liquor industry in the Eastern Cape. We are however cognisant of the fact that without a consolidated stakeholder engagement approach, we will not be able to realise this noble strategic intent. Henceforth, stake-holder engagement has increasingly become our rallying point in our endeavour to realise our mandate.

The Department of Economic Development Environmen-tal Affairs and Tourism – our Shareholder – has allocated budget to ECLB to intensify its license fee collection on existing outlets whilst also implementing programmes that aim at the empowerment of liquor traders to acquire knowledge and business skills to grow their businesses and move up the value chain in the liquor industry and furthermore trade responsibly.

The Board is proud to announce that compared to pre-vious years renewals, in this fi nancial year (2017/18) 90% has been reached surpassing last fi nancial year’s (2016/17) 88%. This indicates that liquor traders in the Province heeded the call made by the Board encourag-ing them to renew their operating liquor licenses. I wish, on behalf of the Board, to sincerely convey a word of gratitude to all the liquor traders that have diligently tak-en upon themselves to ensure that their liquor licenses are renewed timeously. To those that have not renewed; thenceforth their operating liquor licenses have become invalid and can no longer trade (if they continue to trade they are contravening the law). Their recourse is only to reapply following all the due processes.

Furthermore, the Board has launched a new WhatsApp Number to heighten its efforts to fi ght illegal and incon-

siderate trading where community members are experi-encing challenges with liquor outlets who are not adher-ing to trading times, outlets that sell liquor to underage people and visibly pregnant women any complaints can be reported to this number. The number is 076 403 6223. The complaints toll free number 080 000 0420 is still fully functional for reporting any complaints. We are completely unwavering in our efforts to alleviate the illegal trading in our communities, and we urge our com-munities to utilise these available platforms to report non-compliant tendencies.

The Board of Directors also welcomes the new member, Mr MJ Batembu, who recently joined the Board. We look forward to his profound contribution to the mission and vision of the organisation.

Road fatalities continue to present a serious menace to our communities (especially during the peak seasons – Easter Weekend & Festive Seasons) and we insistently urge motorists and pedestrians to act responsibly and refrain from using alcohol before their journey. Alcohol remains one of the main contributors to road fatalities in the Eastern Cape.

We also encourage liquor traders to be vigilant and ob-serve their trading conditions, which include not selling to the underage, observing trading hours, not selling to visibly intoxicated patrons and pregnant women, playing loud music, among others. We commend liquor traders that take their business seriously by adhering to their trading conditions. Further, we encourage liquor outlets that trade without a liquor license to visit our offi ces to enquire about the process of acquiring a liquor license. It is our wish that everybody who aspires to sell alcohol must do so within the legal framework.

We send best wishes for good health and prosperity to our staff members and all our esteemed stakeholders!

4

BOARD PLEASED WITH LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWALBy Mava Funani and Pumlani Fani

.

The Board of Directors of the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) is pleased with the improved rate of li-quor license renewals during the period that ended on 28 February 2018. This is an indication that the ECLB remains undeterred and is winning in its fi ght against illegal trading and promotion of responsible trading.

The Board is proud to announce that compared to pre-vious years, 90% has already been reached surpassing last year’s 88%. This indicates that liquor traders in the Province heeded the call made by the Board encour-aging them to renew their operating liquor licenses. However, the fi ght continues in curbing illegal trading and ensuring that compliance is adhered to by all those who are trading and aspire to be liquor traders.

The Board gives a stern warning to those traders who have failed to renew their licences. Failure to renew will result in the deregistration of the liquor outlets and they will be expected to immediately close down. This means that their liquor licences will virtually become invalid and if they continue to trade with such licences they will be contravening the law and necessary steps will be taken. If they want to trade again, they are ex-pected to undergo the same process of liquor license application as a new applicant.

The Board urges communities to be extremely vigilant and assist in the identifi cation of those liquor outlets that have not renewed and whose liquor licenses have as a result lapsed. One of the conditions of a liquor license requires that a liquor license must be visibly displayed at the liquor outlet so that patrons can easily view the license.

Should community members discover that the liquor li-cense was not renewed, they must urgently report such a trader to our Toll Free Line 0800 000 420 or on our new whatsapp number is 076403 6223.

We also urge liquor traders to make it their responsibil-ity to meet the renewal deadlines set out by the Board in order for them to be counted among responsible traders. The Board sends a sincere word of gratitude to liquor traders who have diligently taken upon them-selves to ensure that they renew their liquor licenses promptly.

5

EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD IS DETERMINED TO FIGHT DRUNK DRIVING By Sane Kauleza & Pumlani Fani

The Board continues to roll out a number of drunk driving awareness campaigns throughout the province in order to ensure that road fatalities are reduced. Taxi ranks ac-tivations were conducted in Queenstown, Whittlesea and King Williams Town where the campaigns targeted driv-ers and commuters.

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board also had a powerful mes-sage against drunk driving during the launch of its festive season campaign in partnership with Heineken and the King Sabatha Dalindyebo local municipality. The launch was an extensive programme that began with tavern based campaigns and taxi rank activations and a road-block in Emakhaphetshwini village. The main aim of this programme was to send a stern warning to road users and the community on the dangers of drinking and driv-ing and promote responsible drinking and trading. The messages of the day were not limited to road users but were also relevant to pedestrians that walk on the roads under the infl uence of alcohol.

The Board along with its stakeholders identifi ed the OR Tambo area targeting King Sabata Dalidyebo as the area to roll out this programme because N2 is notoriously known to be a dangerous route and has been labelled as

hotspot for road fatalities. The Eastern Cape Liquor Board’s Chief Executive Offi cer Mr KC Maneli had this to say at the launch, “Road ac-cidents that are linked to consumption of alcohol are a major but an avoidable problem”. Mr Maneli urged li-quor traders to adhere to their liquor trading condition because that is key in the efforts to fi ght drunk driving. He highlighted three aspects of the trading conditions and said, “Liquor traders must not sell liquor to persons who are already drunk, liquor must not be sold to a per-son under the age of 18 and lastly, liquor must not be sold to a visible pregnant woman”.

Speaking on behalf of Heineken Ms Tutu Malinga also called upon liquor traders to join in the efforts to combat drunk driving. She said the social ills associated with alcohol abuse need the efforts all of us to fi ght together. She concluded and said, “that is why Heineken is part of this important campaign to encourage you to use alcohol responsibly because drunk driving has devastating con-sequences that really hit home; it can easily put a driver, or a friend in hospital, it can land a family member on a wheelchair for the rest of their lives”.

6

PRESENTATION OF THE PRELIMINARY RESEARCH FINDINGS By Mona-Lisa Nogilana

Research on the prevalence of alcohol consumption dur-ing pregnancy is currently underway in Buffalo City Met-ro, focusing on Mdantsane and Gonubie. The research stems from an existing partnership between the Eastern Cape Liquor Board, Distell and FASfacts. The research is a three year programme, which began in 2016 and is set to be completed in 2019. The research essentially seeks to investigate the prevalence and level of aware-ness of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is en-visaged that the study will establish the extent of the prevalence, and further enable the design of intervention initiatives to alleviate this social problem. The second phase of the research will consist of an awareness intervention, which is conducted by the FAS-Facts through Train-the-Trainer Programme and Pregnant Women Mentoring Programme.

The objective of the FASfacts’ prevention & intervention project is to enable communities to prevent Foetal Alco-hol Syndrome Spectrum Disorders, draw the community of Buffalo City’s attention to the FAS crisis in the prov-ince, ensure the long-term development of healthy fami-lies and communities.

In reference to this research project, Rhodes University Professor Macleod said: “The research is intended to serve three purposes: 1) to measure the extent of the alcohol consumption during pregnancy 2) to make in-terventions where problems have been identifi ed and 3) formative evaluation of the FASFacts intervention to de-termine the impact of the intervention initiative.

A preliminary report has been produced and it has re-vealed that majority of pregnant women do not drink at all. However, there is substantial minority who drink at risky levels, and who engage in binge drinking. The fi nd-ings also revealed that coloured women, younger women, women who experience intimate partner violence, and women who live with someone who drinks regularly are more likely to drink at risky level. Each of these variables independently predicts risky drinking. The percentages of women engaging in these practices are higher than those recorded in a similar study in the United Kingdom.

ECLB, DISTELL, RHODES AND FAS FACTS DISCUSSING THE RESEARCH PROJECT IN BUFFALO CITY

7

GRAHAMSTOWN LEARNERS TACKLE UNDERAGE DRINKING THROUGH DEBATE & DRAMABy Mona-Lisa Nogilana

Sparks were fl ying high among schools in Grahamstown in a recent debate and drama competition held in Joza Township. The schools gathered at Noluthando commu-nity hall to debate and act drama through various topics concerning the dangers of underage drinking. The aim of the competition was to use the two activities as plat-forms to intensify messages on the dangers of underage drinking.

Speaking at the competition Ms Hewana from the De-partment of Health said, “Alcohol abuse has adverse so-cial and economic effects to our young people. These, do not only negatively impact the life of the drinker, but those around him or her.” Ms Hewana went on to caution learners about the resources required for criminal justice, health care and other social institutions as a result of alcohol abuse.

Ms Ludwana from Nathaniel Nyaluza High school had this to say to the learners, “There is a time and season for everything, if you see the print on liquor bottles, it says: not for sale to a person under the age of 18 years. You are at a stage in your life whereby you need to focus

on your books and shape your future because the future leaders will come from you guys”.

Ms Ziseko Geza who was adjudicating over the compe-tition said the debate empowers learners to be critical thinkers around the issues of underage drinking and it enables them to come up with researched interventions and solutions to the scourge of underage age drinking.

The competition comes after extensive consultation with the schools, and was organised by the Eastern Cape Li-quor Board and supported by Shoprite in the form of prizes. The prizes were computers, cash vouchers, soccer balls, trophies and medals. The ECLB remains extremely committed in fi ghting the scourge of underage drinking in the Eastern Cape, and schools are encouraged to take proactive initiatives to empower learners with messages that seek to dissuade them from indulging in alcohol. It is true that our country’s future is in the hands of our young people and it is therefore crucial that values of responsibility and accountability are instilled at this very early stage in their life.

ECLB WITH SAPS CLOSED DOWN UNLICENCED TAVERN IN MTHATHA.

FAS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN MHLAKULO CLINIC.

PARTICIPANTS RECEIVING SPORTS KIT FROM ECLB. GRAHAMSTOWN HIGH SCHOOLS DEBATING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF UNDERAGE DRINKING.

ECLB OFFICIAL TALKING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF ILLEGAL TRADING DURING SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT’S SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN PORT ALFRED.

THE BOARD JOINS MOOIPLAAS COMMUNITY FOR A YOUTH CAMP.

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THE BOARD CELEBRATES CLEAN AUDITTHE BOARD JOINS CATHOLIC CHURCH TO COMBAT DRUG ABUSE IN NGQELENI.

THE BOARD FIGHTING ALCOHOL ABUSE THROUGH SPORT IN MBIZANA.

ECLB JOINED SAB ON THE MARCH AGAINST WOMEN ABUSE.

DRUNK DRIVING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN MTHATHA.

EASTER WEEKEND DRUNK DRIVING AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN DUTYWA TAXI RANK.

THE BOARD CELEBRATES CLEAN AUDITTHE BOARD CELEBRATES CLEAN AUDIT.

10

ECLB CONTINUES TO FIGHT ALCOHOL ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE By Sanelisiwe Kauleza

In its endeavours to mitigate against the social ills associated with alcohol abuse, the ECLB hosted a sports tournament at Baleni Village, in Mbizana. The Board has identifi ed sport as one of the platforms to create awareness on the dangers of alcohol abuse.

The Board rolled out similar tournaments in other parts of the province, for example a successful sport tourna-ment against alcohol abuse was held in Mqanduli, Port St. Johns and some parts of the Sarah Baartman District- targeting young people and the community at large.

Speaking about this initiative, ward councillor, Mr. Ndo-vela said, “I fully support this programme, sport brings social cohesion and strong united communities are need-ed in the fi ght against the abuse of alcohol especially among the young people”. He added that the Board should bring more programmes of this nature to their community.

Mr Mgingi, the coordinator of the tournament applauded ECLB for this programme and said, “It is for the fi rst time

that we receive such a programme and I must say that the community of Baleni is fortunate today. Sport is loved in this area and the knowledge we have received today on the dangers of alcohol abuse will go a long way in empowering our young people in this area.” Mr Mgingi further said that they hope that this was not the fi rst and the last visit from the Board.

Sport resonates and attracts many young people and the Board hopes to keep them occupied with it so that they refrain from spending their valuable time at the taverns. Needless to accentuate that sport is a force for change that is much needed by communities.

The tournament was received well by everyone in the community. More campaigns of this nature are sched-uled to take place in other parts of the province. We also hope that young people in our communities will begin to conceive sport as an alternative to the social ills they are confronted with in their communities, such as un-employment, poverty, criminal activities, and excessive consumption of alcohol, among others.

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ECLB RELEASES REPORT ON THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED ON FAS IN BETHELSDORP By Somila Nyamakazi

The Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) Research; Awareness and Prevention Project in Bethelsdorp, com-missioned by the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) and funded by the South African Breweries (SAB) has been completed. The research project was prompted by the unconfi rmed report that was published on one of the local newspapers (Herald) in Port Elizabeth in 2013, which essentially claimed that women in PE intentionally consumed alcohol with the sole purpose of harming their unborn babies so they could give birth to babies affected by the FAS so they could assess social grants.

The research commenced in 2014 and was completed in 2017 and a research report on the study has been pro-duced. The research fi ndings indicate that approximately 75% of pregnancies in South Africa are unplanned and therefore often confi rmed very late. This can result in some women consuming alcohol without knowledge of being pregnant. The study further indicates that there is no correlation between the claim that women inten-tionally consume alcohol to harm their unborn babies and the wish to assess social grant. Instead the study has revealed low levels of awareness on the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy among women. Therefore, the anecdotal claim made on the newspaper could not be proved.

The CEO of FARR, Leana Olivier states: “The FASD prev-alence rate revealed in the study, gives an indication of the high level of alcohol abuse in the study area. This has far-reaching and serious implications on the educational, psychosocial and economic well-being of the affected children, their families and the community at large. With this project we strive to raise awareness and empower the local service providers and community members to prevent alcohol abuse during pregnancy and ultimately FASD."

FARR and its partners believe that no amount of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy and that even light drinking has the potential to cause permanent, irrevers-ible damage to the unborn foetus.

A number of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome awareness cam-paigns were conducted by FARR in Bethelsdorp Port Elizabeth where about 8 129-community members at-tended. Social Workers and some community members have been trained with the intention to transfer skills and knowledge to capacitate them to implement Foetal Al-cohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) awareness initiatives.

This was one of the important elements of the study in Bethelsdorp because it created awareness on FASD, the trained people will be able to manage people affected by prenatal alcohol use and identify children with possible FASD and make appropriate referrals.

Foetal alcohol syndrome disorder is 100% preventable by refraining from drinking any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. For this reason, medical authorities recom-mend no alcohol during pregnancy or while trying to be-come pregnant. Whilst the condition is permanent, treat-ment can improve outcomes. Interventions may include parent-child interaction therapy, efforts to alter child be-haviour, and possibly medications.

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BLITZ OPERATION IN THE EASTERN CAPE PROVES TO BE A SUCCESS By Sazi Mohamet

The Eastern Cape Liquor Board Compliance and Enforce-ment Division with the South African Police Services con-tinue to send a strong message to liquor outlets that are trading without valid liquor licenses. This behaviour can never be tolerated and CED has taken a stern approach to ensure this behaviour is eradicated due to its inherent risk to our communities. In seeking to alleviate the prob-lem of illegal trading, CED has increasingly conducted several successful Blitz operations where a number of people were arrested for illegal trading of liquor and huge amounts of alcohol were confi scated from those illegal outlets and referred for prosecution.

The Blitz operations are usually conducted with impromp-tu tavern visits and vehicle searches at any given day. Said Mr Qinisle “We always manage to catch them off guard and they have no chance of getting away”. The Blitz op-eration is a collaboration between the Board and SAPS.The presence of the police guarantees security and assists the Board in dealing with the identifi ed illegal activities in the taverns. Mr Qinisile highlighted the importance of communities being active in the fi ght against illegal and inconsiderate trading by reporting to the police and the Board. In the current fi nancial year, a strong team of offi cials visited troublesome taverns in all the districts of the East-ern Cape. Four hundred and forty-four arrests have been made and liquor to the value of R220 000 has been confi scated in the province.

One of the most troublesome taverns were found in Wil-lowvale in the Amathole District which is notorious for having revellers boozing until dawn.

Upon the issuing of a legal licence, the tavern owner is given trading times.

Mr Qinisile has called on the communities to assist the ECLB and the police to report this unbecoming behav-iour. The ECLB has noted with concern an emerging be-haviour where people are being sold fraudulent liquor licenses. Mr Qinisile sternly advised communities that liquor licences are only issued at ECLB offi ces and not in suspicious car boots. Communities must therefore be careful not to purchase a liquor license on the street be-cause that is a fraudulent license. All the liquor licenses are issued through the offi ce of the ECLB.

The Board has heightened its efforts to fi ght illegal and inconsiderate trading by creating a Whatsapp number where community members experiencing challenges with liquor outlets who are not adhering to trading times, outlets that sell liquor to underage people and visibly pregnant women any complaints can be reported to 076 403 6223. The complaints toll free number 0800 000 420 is also still fully functional as well for reporting of any complaints.

A NEW BOARD MEMBER JOINS ECLBBy Mona-Lisa Nogilana

ECLB welcomes Mr M.J Batembu, who hails from Lady Frere, from a small village of Mtsheko. He is affection-ately known as “Bra Mbuyi” and he comes from the clan of ooMbathana ooMkhuma. He is the last born of seven children, happily married and blessed with fi ve children.

Sharing his vision for the organisation he said, “I strongly believe in unity, working together and having a good rap-port with fellow board members and the employees of the Board”. His message to employees of the Board is that unity is strength; and he uses an Afrikaans expres-sion and says “een drag maak mag” (loosely translated “unity is strength”). Mr Batembu has strongly empha-sised the fact that as an organisation we must learn to respect each other and not instil fear, and always re-member that respect is reciprocal.

In his spare time, Mr Batembu relishes reading the Holy Bible and this is the ‘book’ he frequently reads and he often fi nds solace in the Lord. The scripture he abides by and one of his favourite is found in Matthew 19 v 14 in which Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

My motto in life is, “Rise and shine “. Mr Batembu said that he is highly inspired by this and this saying makes him leave his comfort zone, teaches him to be the best version of himself and it builds his self-esteem. He has further stressed his unfl inching commitment to the re-alisation of the Board’s mandate, which entails enabling and promoting a responsible liquor industry in the Prov-ince of the Eastern Cape.

Mr M.J Batembu ECLB new board member

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ECLB WELCOMES SENIOR INSPECTOR, MR MFULA IN OUR CRADOCK OFFICE By Mava Funani

IN-TOUCH WITH MR MFULA over an interview

1 For the benefi t of those who do not know you yet, briefl y tell us about yourself?

I am the offspring of the AmaQwathi clan from Ngcobo. I have a 102 year old Grandmother, who was also my primary school teacher, lots of uncles and aunts, children and extended family. I have acquired genes from both my maternal and paternal sides hence people say I have split personalities (but not a disorder). I did my schooling at Mthwaku S.P.S, Mbekeni J.S.S and Falo High School, all at Ngcobo. I am an innovative, approachable, reliable and a willing to assist person.

How long have you been with the organisation? Since 2008 I have been an Inspector at Aliwal North, East London and Port Elizabeth District Offi ces.

What have been the lessons in the years you have been with the organisation? There is always positive things to learn from everyone. Besides one’s biological family, there is work family with whom you spend most of the time.

What shortcomings do you think need to be addressed by the Board? There is a need to work harder towards the modernisa-tion of the liquor industry in the Province of the Eastern Cape. I must however indicate that the Board has al-ready started to work towards the realisation of such an objective. What infl uenced your transition from PE to Cradock besides growth? To continue adding value to the organisation and to further create a platform where I can share my knowl-edge and expertise.

What do you intend to achieve in your new role? Work with all ECLB stakeholders to create a harmonious environment between communities and liquor traders, educate liquor traders about Foetal Alcohol Syndrome and the dangers of underage drinking and lastly reduce instances of illegal trading.

What is your philosophy in life in terms of work man-agement? Actually there are three. 1) ‘Whatever the circumstances, good or bad, always do the right thing’- It’s a philosophy that I learnt from my late mother; 2) what you do is what you are.” 3) Failure is in itself trying.

What motivates you to keep doing the work you’re doing? My mentors, (they know themselves), every person who values my contributions, my family and children, and last but not least, everyone who immensely contributed in developing my career.

What word of advice would you give to those who as-pire to be in the position you in? Never despair, sail on. God has an ear to every prayer.

Lastly, what do you wish for yourself? I wish I had been another President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. Whatever he said was considered done!!

The board wishes Mr Mfula the very best in his new role!

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ECLB BIDDING FAREWELL TO VETERAN INSPECTOR MR YINGWANA By Mona-Lisa Nogilana

In a celebratory mood, the Eastern Cape Liquor Board had to unwillingly bid farewell to Mr Yingwana. Ying-wana was a senior inspector who headed the Cradock District offi ce, which covers parts of the Sarah Baart Dis-trict and Chris Hani District Municipalities. In a packed Boardroom, ECLB staff members that worked closely with Mr Yingwana honoured and paid tribute to Mr Ying-wana with their moving speeches.

Chief Inspector Mr Z. Tyikwe said that it was an abso-lute pleasure to have worked with Mr Yingwana. Said Mr Tyikwe: “He is older than me, I regard him as my big brother, he is humble and he never took advantage of the fact that I am younger than him as the manager of the CED division he always gave me the respect due to me”. Mr Tyikwe also spoke about Mr Yingwana’s tremendous

contribution to the struggle during his youth days at Fort Hare. We will surely miss his humble, respectful spirit.

Speaking for the last time as Senior Inspector, an emo-tional Mr Yingwana said; “I have been blessed to have worked with all of you, it has been humbling, wonderful years spent at the Board”. He further said that he found purpose in his work and learnt a lot from interacting with the community he was serving and hopes to see the li-quor traders grow from liquor traders to being part of distribution and production in the industry. Mr Yingwana said fi nancial education for liquor traders was important so that they could graduate into big businesses. He concluded his speech and said that he looks forward to spending time with his family and his community.

15

EASTERN CAPE LIQUOR BOARD EMBARKED ON A VIGOROUS EASTER WEEKEND CAMPAIGN TO ALLEVIATE DRUNK-DRIVING

By Mava Funani

It is with continued relish and enthusiasm that ECLB rolled out a successful drunk-driving Easter campaign, on the 27-28 March 2018. Drunk driving continues to be among the biggest contributors to the road fatalities in the Eastern Cape. Henceforth, Social Accountability increased its efforts to combat the abhorrent behaviour among road users of driving under the infl uence of alcohol.

In an endeavour to send its message on the dangers of driving under the infl uence of alcohol, ECLB visited a number of taxi ranks and taverns in Mthatha, Butterworth and Dutywa. The Board girdled up in this time of the year to obviate road fatalities and pedestrian fatalities as a re-sult of alcohol consumption.

During the visits, the Board engaged people on a number of issues including the role of the Board, however, focal point was encouraging them to act responsibly during the period in particular.

Speaking to the ECLB Mr Sebenzile Mafekhula, who is the prominent leader and a taxi driver, said, “We value these initiatives that Liquor Board embarks on and as drivers it is with utmost importance to refrain from

alcohol consumption when driving because we carry ‘lives’ and so it is imperative that we never forget that they must arrive safely to their destinations”. The driver further stated that they have encounters where taxi drivers are under the infl uence of alcohol but they have chastisement in place and as drivers they denounce such acts of drunk driving. He urge the Liquor Board to constantly visit taxi ranks to remind taxi drivers about their responsibilities. ECLB takes inspiration in these words and hopes majority of drivers/road users could share the same sentiment about their responsibility on the roads.

These Easter Weekend campaigns have acted as catalyst for the ECLB’s endeavour to fi ght the scourge of drunk driv-ing in the Eastern Cape. ECLB commits to linger on with creating awareness and reminding the public about socio-economic impact of alcohol consumption and responsible alcohol trading. In view of this campaign, ECLB hopes that there will be drastic reduction in alcohol-related road crashes and fatalities in the Eastern Cape as many road users are beginning to realise the calamities that result from drunk driving.

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EAST LONDON (Head Offi ce) PORT ELIZABETH

10 Beacon Bay Crossing, 1st Floor North TowersBonza Bay Road North End,Beacon Bay Port Elizabeth, 6001East London, 5241 Tel: 041 484 2136Tel: 043 7000 900 Fax: 041 484 2153Fax: 043 726 4101

ALIWAL NORTH QUEENSTOWN

10 Smith Street, 38 Grey Street,Aliwal North 9750 Queenstown 5319Tel: 051 633 2901 Tel: 045 838 5557Fax: 051 633 3117 Fax: 045 839 3709

CRADOCK MTHATHA / ALFRED NZO

24 Ja Calata ECDC House, 7 SissonStreet, Street, Fort Gale,Cradock Mthatha 5100Tel: 048 881 3756 Tel: 047 531 0242Fax: 048 881 4927 Fax: 047 531 0226

MALUTI

ERF 206 MagistrateCollege, Offi ce no: 155,Tel: 039 492 0030

The editorial team :From the left- Mr. Msiya, Ms.Mgwali, Ms. Mohamet, Ms. Nyamakazi, Ms. Msongelwa, Ms.Nogilana, Mr.Fani, Mr. Funani & Mr.Kauleza.

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