Limpopo MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe, has called for stricter compliance in the province’s liquor industry to promote safer communities. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Limpopo – The Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) has called for tougher regulatory compliance and stronger collaboration to address alcohol-related harm, as government and industry leaders gathered at Nandoni Dam in Thohoyandou for the second Limpopo Liquor Indaba.
Addressing stakeholders on Monday, MEC Tshitereke Baldwin Matibe said while the liquor industry remains an important contributor to economic growth, job creation and tourism, its sustainability depends on responsible trading and strict adherence to the law.
Held under the theme “Compliance Today for Safer Communities Tomorrow”, the engagement brought together municipal leaders, law enforcement agencies, traditional authorities, liquor traders and representatives from national and provincial departments.
Matibe said South Africa continues to face worrying levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol-related harm. Among those who drink, average consumption is estimated at about 30 litres per person per year, with a significant number engaging in binge drinking.
He warned that alcohol abuse remains closely linked to road fatalities, violence and social instability, placing immense pressure on communities and public services.
“Regulatory compliance is not optional,” Matibe stressed. “It is essential.”
He emphasised that lawful trading, adherence to licence conditions, municipal by-laws, tax compliance and public safety measures are fundamental to protecting both legitimate businesses and communities.
In the build-up to the Indaba, authorities conducted a series of enforcement and awareness initiatives in the Thohoyandou area.
On 28 February, a multi-agency law enforcement operation inspected liquor outlets and spaza shops, issuing non-compliance notices, fines and making arrests where necessary. A coordinated roadblock on the R524 targeted traffic violations and drink-driving offences.
The following day, more than 250 community members were reached through an education and awareness campaign focused on liquor regulations, consumer protection and responsible trading practices.
Matibe said these actions demonstrated the province’s commitment to strengthening enforcement while also educating communities and traders.
The concept document guiding the Indaba identified several ongoing challenges in the sector, including inconsistent enforcement of licence conditions, weak implementation of municipal by-laws, underage drinking, illicit liquor trading and delays in confirming fines.
Illicit alcohol trading, in particular, was flagged as a major national concern, posing risks to consumer safety and reducing government revenue.
“These systemic weaknesses undermine regulatory integrity and embolden repeat offenders,” Matibe said, calling for decisive corrective measures to enhance accountability and deterrence.
Matibe acknowledged collaboration between LEDET, the University of Venda and national stakeholders, including the South African Police Service, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Limpopo Gambling Board.
He said effective regulation requires coordinated action across institutions, describing compliance as a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society responsibility”.
The MEC reiterated that government’s intention is not to stifle legitimate businesses, but to create an environment where compliant operators can thrive without unfair competition from illegal traders.
“A compliant liquor industry is a competitive liquor industry,” he said.
The Indaba is expected to conclude with practical resolutions and commitments aimed at strengthening oversight, improving inter-agency coordination and promoting safer communities across Limpopo.
