Photo: Adobe Stock
Photo: Adobe Stock
The DA in the Western Cape are lobbying SA’s government to lift current restrictions on the provincial wine trade during lockdown. The region is world-famous for its award-winning blends, but the current restrictions have prevented local traders from exporting their goods over the past few weeks.
Andricus van der Westhuizen is a Spokesperson on Agriculture, Environmental Affairs & Development Planning for the DA’s branch in the Western Cape. He claims that the decision to ban all international exports was not based on rational thinking, blasting the government for their rigid stance.
“Lift restrictions on wine”, Western Cape DA asks government
At least 19 million glasses of South African wine are consumed by customers across the world every single day. On 7 April, the national government allowed for the export of wine for a short time – but nine days later, this was brought to an end. The decision has been labelled as “irresponsible” by van der Westhuizen:
“There is no clear evidence to suggest that the transport of wine to export sites is dangerous. The Western Cape holds more than 90% of all wine production in South Africa and exports over 50% of it to other parts of the world. Well over 300 000 people are directly or indirectly employed by this vitally important industry.”
“During these uncertain times, our national government must provide consistency in regulations. Failure to do so will see a loss of jobs and unprecedented levels of unemployment in an already challenging economic environment. With proper regulations in place, we can save lives and protect jobs and industries.”
Andricus van der Westhuizen
Alcohol laws during lockdown
It’s not just wine that has been banned from trade: The transport of any alcohol in South Africa is strictly forbidden. Citizens are forbidden from buying liquor, and there are very few ways to consume booze legally during lockdown. But with the fate of the Western Cape’s most lucrative industry in the balance, van der Westhuizen and colleagues will be hoping they get a little leeway going forward.
