Ralph Mathekga writes that serious thought needs to go into how our economy is structured - if we are at a point where the ban of alcohol is an instant ruin for majority of small traders.
The debate around alcohol is back in the forefront of policy discourse in South Africa, having been triggered by government's decision to ban the sale of alcohol as part of the strategy to manage the Covid-19 pandemic.
Not many people would stand up to defend alcohol, given the apparent social ills associated with the substance in South Africa. By prohibiting the sale and distribution of alcohol, government stated that it has been able to see a reduced impact on the health system often imposed by alcohol related injuries.
