Lesufi faces backlash over ‘taverns of the future’ promo

South African users of the X social media network have come out with guns blazing after the Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi on Tuesday announced a plan to launch “taverns of the future” in communities.

Lesufi posted a picture on his account standing next to a male executive of the multinational brewing company, Heineken, with the caption: “Today, we received a full briefing to launch taverns of the future in our communities. The tavern of the future will blow your mind. Thanks to the new Heineken Vision. Exciting times indeed.”

Lesufi’s post triggered strong reaction as the people questioned the motive behind this move. Many recalled that the Premier has always been outspoken about building an alcohol-free society and how he publicly expressed hatred for the consumption of alcohol.

“Why don’t we promote sports in townships, tech and healthy communities instead of adding more problems to what we already struggling with?” X user @Thibos_G asked.

EFF Head of Political Education, Mr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, said Lesufi’s problem is that he is more focused on gaining publicity rather than governing, adding, “He likes to be seen to be at work, when in actual fact, it’s all a pathetic noise by an otherwise failed government!”

ALSO READ: EFF Commissar Ndlozi urges South Africa to reject King Philippe.

Ndlozi further pointed out that in many South African townships, there are more alcohol outlets than all social institutions combined.

“Everything wrong about our communities has alcoholism in it: murder, addiction, GBV, disease, road accidents etc. Our people deserve a better leader. A better government and a better future, not a future with more taverns as sold by the ANC,” he said.

In his response, Lesufi maintained, “Investment is above our individual preferences. We must bring investments in our province to create jobs and opportunities for all.”

“When I lead government it’s not about my personal views but attracting investments and creating jobs and opportunities for all. My personal standpoint on alcohol remains.”

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