Gauteng Governor Panyisa Letsufi reported that 20 liquor establishments were closed following 7322 inspections, while hundreds of other premises received warnings for non-compliance with regulations. This is part of intensified measures to combat alcohol-related violence linked to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Addressing Gauteng's actions in response to President Cyril Ramaphosa's directives on Sunday, November 1, Letsufi stated that authorities issued 459 notices of non-compliance and referred 566 liquor establishments to the Liquor Inspectorate for further investigation. Additionally, 41 joint compliance operations were conducted across the province.
Letsufi emphasized that control operations will continue, targeting illegal premises, repeat offenders, and illicit trade outside permitted hours, as part of broader efforts to address alcohol-related violence.
This campaign is part of Gauteng's 90-day intervention program, launched after Ramaphosa's speech on September 29, where he called for coordinated action to counter alcohol-related violence and strengthen the protection of women and children.
Hundreds of liquor establishments await further inspections
Letsufi noted that three out of eight liquor control directives have been implemented, while the remaining five are in the process of being realized. The provincial government has also provided strategic proposals for the proposed Alcohol Bill as part of efforts to strengthen alcohol product regulation.
Specialized training for wardens is expected to begin in early November. The Governor announced that weekly compliance operations started in municipalities on October 1.
Municipalities are also making progress in identifying unsafe public places that may put women and children at risk of violence. In Johannesburg, authorities have mapped key risk areas and are preparing 10 previously seized or illegally occupied buildings for public use. In Tshwane, vegetation around high-risk public transport stations was cleared, and in Ekurhuleni, all local taxi ranks were inspected, revealing faulty CCTV systems requiring repair.
West Rand municipalities have also compiled lists of dangerous structures and abandoned public spaces. Letsufi clarified that safety audits are 60%–80% complete in most municipalities. Immediately identified hazards will be repaired or included in funded intervention plans within 90 days.
Letsufi promises to continue the fight against gender-based violence
Despite successes in alcohol control and municipal safety measures, Letsufi acknowledged that much work remains. Of the 67 GBVF directives for the province, 21 are completed, 38 are in progress, and eight have not yet started.
The Governor stated that weekly monitoring will continue to ensure accountability of government departments and municipalities. He stressed that governmental action alone is insufficient to solve the crisis. Combating GBVF requires continuous government action, effective law enforcement, and active participation from communities and all sectors of society.