COVID-19 lock-down: Why the Black Business Council supports alcohol ban

The South African government has recently reinstated an alcohol ban and made adjustments to travel restrictions under level 3 of the lock-down in efforts to alleviate the strain on the healthcare sector and facilitate further economic reopening. The Black Business Council (BBC) Treasurer General, Bonolo Ramokhele, shared their views on these government decisions in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. Ramokhele highlighted the importance of balancing between saving lives and sustaining the economy in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ramokhele mentioned that, as the BBC, they were not consulted before these decisions were made; however, they acknowledged the need to manage the dual challenge of preventing further strain on healthcare facilities while also preventing job losses and business closures. The lack of consultation was concerning, especially for small businesses that rely on credit for stock purchases. Many of these businesses now find themselves in a challenging situation with debts to pay and stock they cannot move due to the ban on alcohol sales. The key theme of the interview revolved around the need for a consultative process involving business stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to decision-making. The BBC stressed that the country's structural challenges, particularly in the healthcare system and the overall economy, require collaborative solutions that consider all perspectives. Ramokhele highlighted the importance of consultations to address issues such as unemployment and the sustainability of businesses during the pandemic. One of the key points raised by Ramokhele was the structural issues in South Africa's healthcare system that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 crisis. The lack of readiness and capacity in hospitals has been a longstanding problem that requires urgent attention. The BBC called for a more inclusive decision-making process that involves business voices to ensure that sacrifices made by South Africans are not in vain. Another key point was the inconsistency in regulations, particularly concerning the taxi industry. Ramokhele pointed out the discrepancies in allowing taxis to operate at full capacity, which contradicts social distancing guidelines. The BBC emphasized the need for a consultative forum that includes various stakeholders to address issues such as relief packages for industries impacted by the lockdown. The BBC Treasurer General also addressed the initiatives launched by the organization to support its members during these challenging times. The partnership with UBank to launch a one billion-rand township economy relief fund aims to provide small businesses with patient capital, which is crucial for their survival. The fund is designed to offer both debt and equity to businesses operating in township and rural economies, ensuring sustainability and growth despite the economic challenges. In conclusion, the interview with the Black Business Council highlighted the importance of collaboration and consultation in navigating the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The BBC's efforts to support its members and advocate for inclusive decision-making processes underscore the need for a holistic approach to address the challenges faced by businesses in South Africa.