Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and a Heineken representative. Image: X/@lesufi.
Lesufi slammed for ‘hipocrisy’ over partnership with Heineken
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has received some backlash for seemingly changing his stance on alcohol use after partnering with Heineken.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and a Heineken representative. Image: X/@lesufi.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has faced backlash over the provincial government’s partnership with the famous alcohol brand Heineken.
On Wednesday, 15 November, Lesufi took to X (previously known as Twitter) to celebrate the partnership, which will see the creation of “taverns of the future”.
LESUFI FACES BACKLASH OVER GAUTENG GOVERNMENT’S PARTNERSHIP WITH HEINEKEN
In 2019, Lesufi, then a MEC for Education in the province, criticised alcohol and advocated for an alcohol-free South Africa. Fast forward to 2023, he has been called a hypocrite for seemingly changing his stance.
“Today, we received a full briefing to launch taverns of the future in our communities. The tavern of the future will blow your mind. Thanks to the new Heineken Vision. Exciting times indeed,”he shared on X.
When X users called him out, he defended the partnership, saying investment is above individual preferences.
“When I lead government it’s not about my personal views but attracting investments and creating jobs and opportunities for all. My personal standpoint on alcohol remains,” he responded.
ALSO READ: ‘Poses a threat’: Call for government to deal with tavern shootings
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng said the creation of taverns in communities not only promotes alcoholism but also exposes the ruling party’s cluelessness in job creation and resolving the dire economic situation Gauteng residents find themselves in.
“Worth mentioning, the creation of new taverns is consistent with the apartheid spatial planning policy that seeks to further trap black people in a state of hopelessness, drunkenness, and pacification. Taverns serve nothing but to contribute to the high crime levels in townships,” the Red Berets said.
ALSO READ: State withdraws charges against accused in deadly tavern shooting
DESTRUCTION OF BLACK COMMUNITIES?
Artist Thandiswa Mazwai is among those who criticised Lesufi for seemingly promoting alcohol in townships.
“What we should be thinking about Mr Lesufi is how to bring more arts and science centres for the future of our kids. The “black” community is already drowning in booze. Especially bored young people! The tavern of the future is only here to cement the destruction of black people,”she wrote.
“You could be upgrading kasi schools. Many have remained the same since I was a kid! No sports grounds, no music or arts centre!!! Also the Kasi is full of unemployed people who drink to forget and you do THIS???”she added.
ALSO READ: At least 14 people shot and killed at a tavern in Soweto
“South Africa needs to remove Taverns from residential neighbourhoods. Liquor outlets and Taverns should be restricted to Shopping Centres away from homes and schools. This is the biggest contributor to social decay and violence. Most murders occur at or near Taverns,” @Ngoma_Kuria_ also tweeted.
