KZN Liquor Indaba charts path for growth and responsible trade

While the liqour sector supports thousands of jobs across manufacturing, retail, tourism and hospitality, it must also confront serious challenges such as illegal trading, underage drinking and alcohol abuse, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea), Musa Zondi said. KwaZulu-Natal’s liquor industry is under the spotlight as government and key stakeholders convene for the KZN Liquor Indaba and Business Expo, aimed at driving economic growth while strengthening regulation and social responsibility. The two-day engagement, hosted by Zondi, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Regulatory Authority (KZNERA), began on Friday at Sibaya Casino and is expected to conclude on Saturday.

Addressing delegates, Zondi said the indaba is a critical platform to shape the future of the liquor sector while balancing economic opportunities with public safety. “This platform allows us to engage meaningfully on the future of the liquor industry, its contribution to economic growth, and the collective responsibility to ensure responsible trade and consumption,” he said. Zondi said that while the sector supports thousands of jobs across manufacturing, retail, tourism and hospitality, it must also confront serious challenges such as illegal trading, underage drinking and alcohol abuse.

He outlined several government interventions already underway, including targeted compliance operations, a new equitable licence fee model aligned to business turnover, and the introduction of a Public Interest Assessment Policy to ensure community considerations in licensing decisions. Zondi said there were ongoing legislative reforms and digital innovations, including an online licensing system aimed at improving efficiency and reducing bureaucratic delays. The portal was officially launched on Friday and is available on the KZNERA’s website.

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Adding to the discussion, KZNERA board chairperson Mbali Myeni provided a detailed account of the authority’s performance and the progress made since the previous indaba. Myeni said the sector continues to play a vital role in both economic participation and job creation, while also requiring careful regulation to address social harms.

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