National Liquor Traders Council raises alarm on illicit alcohol trade: ‘1 in 5 liquor brands sold is fake’

947’s Anele and The Club speak with Lucky Ntimane of the National Liquor Traders Council.

Listen below:

A recent study by the Drinks Federation of South Africa (DF-SA) reveals that 18% of all alcohol sold in the country is illegal.

The country’s illicit alcohol trade is valued at over R25 million, per The Star.

'Illicit' refers to products that were meant to be exported but have found themselves back in the country, incurring a fiscal loss.

It is safe for consumption, but not intended for sale in South Africa.

A counterfeit is a fake product that has been passed as something else; it is not safe for consumption.

“... this is a serious problem, one that needs serious attention from all of us… One in five liquor brands (products) sold is a fake.”

– Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Council

“Research tells us the fake or illegal alcohol is 43% cheaper than the original… the biggest motivator is profits. It’s a concern because this means liquor trades are putting profits ahead of the lives of our people.”

– Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Council

"I must emphasise that the fake alcohol is not only restricted to townships… You can go into five-star establishments and find illicit and counterfeit alcohol.”

– Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Council

Among the measures to crack down on counterfeit and illicit trade, the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa has a mobile app, My CGCSA, allowing you to scan your products.

You can also anonymously report traders to 0800 014 856.

“If something is too good to be true in terms of pricing, it probably is.”

– Lucky Ntimane, National Liquor Traders Council

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.