In an unprecedented twist, a 70 year old tavern owner Gogo Asnath Mbokota is riding the crest of a wave after her tavern bagged a Platinum Status, thanks to South African Brewery’s (SAB) steadfast Responsible Trading Programme (RTP).
The low profile handover ceremony took place at her spick and span ASNATHI INN tavern in Chiawelo, Soweto and was attended by more than half dozen SAB senior officials and other liquor industry’s stakeholders.
According to this Mzansi’s biggest brewery, As part of SAB’s Sharp platform, this programme is instrumental in recognising and rewarding retailers for their efforts to encourage responsible consumption in their communities.
Together with the Gauteng Liquor Board and in honour of Women’s Month, SAB handed Gogo Mbokota’s platinum certificate to shine a spotlight on positive female participation in the industry.
SAB regional corporate affairs director Kgosi Mogotsi said, “We are proud of Gogo Mbokota for her achievements and wish to raise her up as an example to follow. She is a real inspiration to her community and provides a shining light for other woman who want to grow their businesses responsibly.”
At the event it was further disclosed that with over 30,000 liquor traders accredited across the country, only one retailer to date has managed to reach platinum status.
“To reach platinum is the ultimate goal,” said Mogotsi. “We want to get as many traders up to this level as possible, but it has to be done the right way for the good of our communities.”
In recognition of Gogo Mbokota’s achievement, Mogotsi encouraged more retailers to become champions of responsibility and engage with the RTP.
“Together we can measurably shift social norms and behaviours to create safer communities. This begins and ends with responsibility. Let Gogo Mbokota become the mother of this movement and we can all follow her example,” he said.
Mbokota reflected on her journey through the programme and emphasised the importance of responsibility in communities.
“We are all responsible for our actions and can take the extra steps needed to protect our communities. I believe in this programme as it helps me create a safer and healthier community but also grow my business,”she said.
Chief Director of the Gauteng Liquor Board Advocate Fati Manamela was also in attendance at the handover and said, “Our retailers are on the frontlines of this industry. They are the ones who engage with our communities. Working together through initiatives like the RTP, we can make a tangible impact and champion a more responsible country together.”
.
DID YOU KNOW?
Through the RTP accreditation process, traders are assessed on a three-tier system in which they can achieve a ranking of silver, gold, or platinum. This is separated by the following distinctions:
- Silver – They comply to liquor regulations
- Gold – They comply to the refusal of sale of alcohol to underage persons and intoxicated persons
- Platinum – They are true champions of safety and community involvement
