F O R E W O R D B Y T H E A C T I N G C E O O F T H E K Z N L I Q U O R A U T H O R I T Y F O R

T H E 3 R D Q U A R T E R

The year has already come to a close. Oh what a Year. We concluded our second anniversary in August. Shortly before our anniversary we also said farewell to our former CEO who took up another post at the eThekwini Municipality in June this year. I have been tasked to steer the ship in the interim until an appointment is made by the Board.

2014 was also a historic year for stakeholders in the liquor industry in that a new liquor law came into effect on the 28th of February. For the period under review (January to December) we witnessed some interesting developments. These included amongst others: • Receiving an unqualified audit for the financial year 2013/2014 with just two management findings – magnificent achievement• Appointed a service provider (Care ways) to manage our employee wellness programme. A c t i n g C E O -

M r E l l i o t M a s h i l e

• Developed a reciprocal relationship with our employees and await the signing of a recognition agreement with the union. I recognise the value of good employer/employee relationships.• Contracted a service provider to conduct an organisational climate survey. The findings which are quite interesting will be discussed with you at a special event.• Hosted the Mpumalanga Liquor Board where we shared our experiences – these ongoing discussions with our fraternal provincial counterparts will continue for benchmarking and adoption of good practices.• The launch of our intranet which is a useful tool to improve our administrative efficiencies• Built and cemented our relationships with liquor industry stakeholders. These include the establishment of Liquor Forums and cementing collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Forum and the RMTC.• Timeously compiling and producing our annual report to the legislature and provincial treasury.• Provided training opportunities to youth as part of our internship programme• Trained and capacitated members of the Local Committees and our staff on the new Act – this training will be ongoing

As we move forward in the New Year may I take this opportunity of thanking each one of you for your contribution for the period under review? Your hard work and sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. LET US MOVE THE KZN LIQUOR AUTHORITY FORWARD.

F O R E W O R D B Y T H E A C T I N G C E O O F T H E K Z N L I Q U O R A U T H O R I T Y F O R

T H E 3 R D Q U A R T E R

C O M P L I A N C E A N D E N F O R C E M E N T I N P A R T N E R S H I P W I T H T H E

E T H E K W I N I M U N I C I P A L I T Y

C O M P L I A N C E & E N F O R C E M E N T

R E G I O N A L M A N A G E R : V U S I M Z O B E

In an effort to clamp down non-compliant liquor outlets, the KZN Liquor Authority is engaged in a mutually beneficial partnership with the EThekwini Municipality and SAPs to enforce compliance with the new liquor law.

This project was jointly initiated by the City and the Liquor Authority with a number of stakeholders throwing their weight behind this initiative. Unlike in the past the new KwaZulu –Natal Liquor Licensing Act requires a business license issued to the applicant before a liquor license is issued. Mr Vusi Mzobe, the Regional Manager for Compliance and Enforcement at the Liquor Authority said:

“A joint blitz was held on the 15th of September 2014 in Ntuzuma policing area from 22:00 till 06:00 the following day. The purpose of the inspection was to check for compliance with the liquor regulations. Both licenced as well as un-licenced liquor outlets were targeted within Ntuzuma policing precinct, I was

greatly encouraged by the large contingent of compliance and enforcement officials from the City and the different units of SAPS working together to stamp out illegal practices.”

Mzobe said a very successful operation was conducted resulting in 12 premises being visited. He said there were no compliance notices issued by the Liquor Authority. However SAPS fined one licensed trader for non-compliance whilst there were three prosecution notices were issued by the Development and Planning Unit of the Musicality. The Business Licensing Unit also issued three prosecution notices whilst there were five liquor traders were nabbed for illegal electricity connections. One ticket was also issued by metro police in terms of Road Traffic Act. Over a dozen outlets were trading without liquor licenses.

Mzobe said:‘The blitz operation of this magnitude was a great success and will be held regularly in order to ensure compliance and enforcement and more importantly to maintain law and order in the province of KwaZulu- Natal. We work as a team and this multi-disciplinary approach to compliance and enforcement augurs well for the partnership going forward.”

S O B R I E T Y W E E K 2 0 1 4 b y M E R Y L L Y N N C O L B O R N E .

R E G I O N A L M A N A G E R : S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

The Department of Trade and Industry through its National Liquor Regulators Forum has identified Sobriety Week as an annual event that coincides with the World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day which is the 9th September. This year as from the 08th to the 12th September 2014 was declared as the Sobriety Week in the national calendar which mainly focuses on public awareness on effects of alcohol and the negative effects of alcohol abuse.

The Sobriety Week coincides with the World Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day which focuses on discouraging women to consume or take alcohol during their nine months of pregnancy.

The KwaZulu- Natal Liquor Authority, through its Social Responsibility Business Unit undertook various activities during this week to advocate for people to remain sober in commemoration of those affected by FAS.

The main activities for Sobriety Week were media slots on radio stations, ensuring wider public awareness and interest in Sobriety Week

The Executive Manager, Mr. Simon Manelli, participated in studio interviews on the following radio stations; Radio Sunny South and Maputaland Radio. The main messages being, the importance of drinking and trading responsibly in relation to sobriety week, the KZN Liquor Authority presence in the Districts and the implementation of the KZN Liquor Licencing Act 06 of 2010 as amended.

R e g i o n a l M a n a g e r f o r S R - M e r y l - l y n n e C o l b o r n e ( l e f t ) a n d

S R p r a c t i t i o n e r - N h l a k a n i p h o M s i m a n g

S O B R I E T Y W E E K 2 0 1 4 b y M E R Y L L Y N N C O L B O R N E .

R E G I O N A L M A N A G E R : S O C I A L R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y

In addition to the media slots, Districts through the respective District Social Responsibility Practitioners undertook various activations based on the dynamics of their areas. Some activities included clinic visits wherein pregnant patients were advised of the dangers of consuming alcohol whilst pregnant. Other activities included corporate talks and youth education where the dangers of irresponsible consumption were shared with workers and students

especially since alcohol contributes to low productivity and absenteeism from work and college / university. Patrons of taverns and tavern owners were reminded of safe drinking behaviour and responsible trading. During all activations, educational material was left on display at the various premises to ensure the propagation and sustainability of the

1 6 D A Y S O F A C T I V I S M F O R N O V I O L E N C E A G A I N S T

W O M E N A N D C H I L D R E N - K Z N L A S T A F F S P E A K O U T

A c t i n g C E O - M r E l l i o t M a s h i l e

16 Days of activism is a worldwide campaign to oppose violence against women and children. It is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. Here is what some of our staff have to say about this campaign: • Carol our receptionist:“It aims to raise awareness of the negative impact that violence and abuse have on women and children and to rid society of abuse permanently. I pray when such a day comes.”

• Nelisa

“The success of this campaign rests on our daily individual and collective actions to safeguard our society against this cycle of abuse.It stems from the low status of women in the home and in society.It happens when men abuse power and positions of authority in order to control women and children”

• Shelley

“Women in our country face many abuses and they include fear, bodily harm, to do things against their will. Rape, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, child abuse amongst others. It’s not an issue that women only face- it’s an issue that affects the family, the community and the nation. All of us must take a stand against abuse.”

• Zethu

“Parliament has passed laws to protect the rights of individuals against abuse?

1 6 D A Y S O F A C T I V I S M F O R N O V I O L E N C E A G A I N S T

W O M E N A N D C H I L D R E N - K Z N L A S T A F F S P E A K O U T

• The Domestic Violence Act of 1998

• The Children's Act of 2005

• The Maintenance Act of 1998

• The Promotion of Equity and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act of 2000

• The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters Act) Amendment Act of 2007

Notwithstanding same abuses continue unabated in our country”

South Africa is still home to high levels of violence against its women and children, despite a world-renowned Constitution and a legislative overhaul that safeguards women's and children's rights.

The government, business, civil society organisations, faith-based organisations and the media are all participating in the drive to increase awareness of the negative impact of violence and abuse on women and children.We at the Liquor Authority are urged to support the campaign by wearing a white ribbon - a symbol of peace - during the 16-day period to symbolise our commitment to never commit or condone violence against women or children.

L E T T E R T O T R A D E R SW H O H A V E N O T R E N E W E D

Dear Sir/Madam

Please be informed that as at 31 December 2014 our records reflect that you have not renewed your liquor license for the 2015 trading year. All liquor licenses were to be renewed on or before 31 December 2014. Those licensees who failed to meet the deadline are still eligible to renew. However renewal payment in the next three months will attract penalties.Section 64(10) of the Act states that:Should a licensed person fail to pay the annual fee for a particular license on or before the due date.a) The license will immediately become suspended;b) The licensed person must forthwith cease trading in terms of that license; andc) The annual fee will attract a penalty This implies that:• If a licensee renews in January he/she will pay double the prescribed fee• If the licensee renews in February he/she will pay triple your prescribed fee• If the licensee renews in March, he/she will pay 4 times the annual prescribed fee.

Please note that in this instance the above does not apply to those licensees who applied for conversions and were issued with a conversion certificate which stipulates a renewal date which invariably falls outside the traditional renewal period.

For those licensees who paid their license renewal fee you are urgently requested to fax or email your deposit slip to Mr Fanele Nkosi at Fanele.nkosi@kznlqa.co.za or fax 086 729 9326 so that we may update our records.

This communique does not apply to those licensees who have paid their annual renewal fee on or before 31 December 2014. Further if your license has not been active please ignore this notice. Please note failure to renew your license within the above-mentioned penalty dates will render the license as cancelled.

L E T T E R T O T R A D E R SW H O H A V E N O T R E N E W E D

According to the Liquor Licensing Act, it will be an offence for you to continue trading without a valid license. It is therefore in your own interest to ensure that you take remedial steps and ensure that you renew your license as soon as it is conveniently possible for you.

To assist you to renew herewith attached please find your renewal notice, accompanied by a bank reference number and our bank details to execute payment.

Should you require any further clarity please do not hesitate to contact the Executive Manager: Liquor Licensing and Administration, Mr A. Kubheka on 031- 3020633 for more information. Yours faithfully

Elliot MashileActing Chief Executive Officer

S I V A ’ S M U S I N G : 3 R D Q U A R T E R L Y 2 0 1 4

S I V A N A I D O O

I am particularly pleased to note that women are increasingly taking charge of their finances and are more pro-active in sorting out their credit and financial woes. The recently released annual results of the Office of the Credit Ombud show that 47% of complainants who sought assistance in 2013 were women. When compared to previous years, the number of female complainants has steadily been on the rise, an indication that women are increasingly speaking out and taking steps to address their credit related problems. Another surprising figure is that young females aged between 18 and 35 years accounted for 38% of the total figure of women who reached out for assistance. It is positive to see that young females are knowledgeable when it comes to reaching out for assistance, but it could also be worrying if too many are already facing debt troubles at a young age.

The most common complaints from women were disputes about their statements of account as well as disputes regarding emolument attachment orders emanating from credit agreements and loans. White collar crime in particular theft of ID books is very prevalent. Criminals open fraudulent accounts and consumers often are at the receiving end. They battle to sort these matters and end up with judgements taken against them. . Subsequently a court order also compelled the consumer’s employer to deduct money from his or her salary to settle this fraudulent debt!

I advise our employees that it is of utmost importance that you scrutinise your accounts, loan and bank statements, your payslips or any other documents which relate to you paying over any money as this will be a guaranteed way of noting any discrepancies which may occur as a result of fraud or being over-charged. Being listed for prescribed accounts was the top complaint raised by women in terms of credit bureau complaints. Prescribed debts refers to any debt older than three years and which a consumers has failed to acknowledge and did

S I V A ’ S M U S I N G : 3 R D Q U A R T E R L Y 2 0 1 4

S I V A N A I D O O

not make any payment in that period. The law prohibits the listing of a debt that has become prescribed. In the past, the onus was on consumers to raise prescription as a defence when pursued to pay for debts that had prescribed. The changes in the law as a result of the National Credit Amendment Act will hopefully bring much relieve to con-sumers where prescribed debt complaints are concerned.

Once the National Credit Amendment Act comes into operation, it would be in contravention of the Act for credit providers to collect on prescribed debt or to sell or hand over for collection any debt which has prescribed. Women have always been at the forefront of change in our country. Fin mark Trust research in 2013 showed that women saving via stokvels and savings groups had increased when compared to the previous year and that they were more inclined to manage their debts well. Women are advised to do the following in order to cultivate a

healthy credit life: • Always pay your accounts on or before the due date in order to avoid late payment penalties and listings at the credit bureaus

• Always check your statements to make sure that all payments are reflected and keep tabs of your balance

• If you are unable to pay for your accounts for whatever reason talk to your credit provider to make alternative arrangements

• Ensure that you always get all agreements for payment arrangements in writing as you need to use this as proof of your agreement