The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng notes the release of a report by the MEC for Economic Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, regarding corruption and maladministration at the Gauteng Liquor Board (GLB). The findings of the report are not a surprise. The report highlights widespread governance failures, corruption risks, and weak enforcement at the GLB, which the DA has been highlighting for years. The DA Gauteng calls on MEC Ramokgopa to urgently implement the report’s recommendations to ensure proper management of GLB, to prevent job losses and grow the economy.
This report was concluded in October last year but sat on the former MEC Lebogang Maile’s desk up until this point. It is unacceptable that a report should take so long and not be released to the public. The shortcomings of the GLB were obvious and did not require the cost of a committee. The former MEC really should have used his executive powers and acted.
We welcome the speed with which the new MEC has acted. We trust that she will act on the following recommendations made by the committee:
- Introducing QR-coded liquor licences,
- Real-time public verification systems,
- Automated revenue management tools and
- Establishment of an independent ethics and whistleblower office.
The DA Gauteng will monitor the progress of the implementation of these recommendations with interest and diligence. The work of the GLB has an impact on Gauteng’s economy. This is done in various ways and largely through the hospitality industry, which employs many people.
The failure of the GLB risks job losses as businesses close. This is due to unwanted, unwarranted, and unlawful liquor trading, which then causes social problems in our neighbourhoods and communities.
A DA-led provincial government will ensure that the GLB is properly managed so that applications, objections, and reports of unlawful activity are dealt with speedily and in accordance with the law.