Lerato Mailoane
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has called on liquor traders to prioritise safety before profits.
Speaking to a packed auditorium at the Krugersdorp municipal offices, Lesufi urged liquor traders to adhere to their licence conditions by not selling alcoholic substances to underage children.
"We must ensure our children are not exposed to alcohol at an early age…I don't want to breed a nation of alcoholics. I want to breed a nation that is excited and responsible in drinking alcohol."
Lesufi called on the traders to inform them of the plans to improve the liquor industry to help them grow their businesses.
He said that the provincial government would increase the capacity of compliance officers in the liquor industry.
"We must regulate if we don't want people bringing counterfeit alcohol into the industry, proving the importance of compliance.
Lesufi tasked the Department of Economic Development to develop an app which could reduce waiting times for liquor licences and fast-track the application process.
The liquor traders have also raised concerns about how law enforcement officers intimidate them and often vandalise their businesses under the guise of licence regulations compliance.
This sector contributes 7 billion rands to the Gauteng economy; therefore, businesses in this sector must be regulated. 
Lesufi said there was a need to eliminate those not properly regulated.
"To eliminate corruption, we need to automate to eliminate many hands. We are introducing a new technology where people can apply for their liquor licence online, whether they can be reminded when their licence is about to expire. It will also allow them to renew their licences in real-time, and they can pay fines if necessary."
The Gauteng Provincial Government has committed to increasing the number of liquor trading compliance officers from 80 to 800. 
The provincial government is also introducing a charter that will guide circulated to all liquor traders, which he hopes will serve as a reminder of trader rights and duties. 
The new automated system is expected to kickstart in November 2023.