The National Liquor Traders (NLT) has called for closer cooperation between the government, regulators, and the liquor industry following the Enyobeni Tavern inquest, saying accountability must extend beyond individual businesses if similar tragedies are to be prevented.
The call follows Friday’s ruling by the Mdantsane Regional Court, which found there was prima facie evidence to prosecute tavern owners Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, police sergeant Thabisa Kondile, former bouncer Thembisa Diko, and Eastern Cape Liquor Board inspector Zuko Lizani over the deaths of 21 young people at the Eastern Cape tavern in June 2022.
Responding to the judgment, the NLT extended its condolences to the victims’ families, describing the tragedy as one that should never have occurred.
“Today’s findings mark an important milestone in the pursuit of accountability. While the court found that there is prima facie evidence warranting further legal consideration, we recognise that the legal process is not yet complete and that all those implicated remain entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence until the courts determine otherwise,” the organisation said.
The traders’ body stated that the judgment was a reminder that every licensed liquor outlet has a responsibility to operate within the law and ensure the safety of its patrons.
“The Enyobeni tragedy should never have happened. It serves as a painful reminder that every licensed liquor outlet carries a profound responsibility to operate lawfully, responsibly, and in full compliance with South Africa’s liquor laws.”
The NLT said there could be no place for the sale of alcohol to underage people, overcrowding, unsafe trading conditions, or any conduct that placed lives at risk.
However, it maintained that preventing another tragedy would require more than holding individual businesses accountable.
It said liquor boards, municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and the industry all had a role to play in strengthening compliance and improving oversight.
“Effective regulation requires active collaboration between liquor licensing authorities, law enforcement agencies, municipalities, and the liquor industry. Regulatory failures, where they exist, must also be addressed to ensure similar tragedies are prevented in the future.”
The NLT called for stronger enforcement of existing liquor laws against those operating outside the law, closer cooperation between liquor boards, police, municipalities, and industry stakeholders, increased education campaigns to prevent underage drinking and promote responsible alcohol consumption, and continued investment in programmes that equip tavern owners to operate safely and legally.
It said most licensed tavern owners complied with the law, created jobs, and contributed positively to their communities.
“The overwhelming majority of South Africa’s licensed tavern owners are responsible small business operators who comply with the law, create employment, and contribute positively to their communities. Those who deliberately disregard the law should be held accountable through the justice system, as their conduct undermines public confidence in the entire sector.”
The NLT said it remained committed to working with the government, regulators, and communities to build a safer liquor trading environment and ensure that tragedies such as Enyobeni are never repeated.
Meanwhile, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) welcomed the court’s findings, describing them as an important step towards accountability for the victims’ families and the broader community.
The commission stressed that the inquest findings did not amount to criminal convictions but provided a basis for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to consider further legal action.
It also renewed its call for long-delayed reforms to South Africa’s alcohol laws, saying stronger legislation and enforcement were needed to better protect children and reduce alcohol-related harm.
The SAHRC said the Enyobeni tragedy exposed wider institutional and regulatory failures and maintained that accountability should extend beyond prosecuting individuals to strengthening the systems responsible for enforcing the country’s liquor laws.
The matter will now be referred to the NPA, which will determine whether to institute criminal charges.
karen.singh@inl.co.za
Karen Singh
sundayindependent.co.za