Somizi Has Something To Say About The Reintroduction Of Alcohol

In an Instagram post shared on Monday, 25 May 2020, South African media personality, Somizi, shared a video which cc’d President Cyril Ramaphosa following his speech on Sunday, 24 May 2020. Somizi called for an open discussion with the President and the public, where he shared his concerns for Level 3, which commences on Monday, 1 June 2020.

His major concern surrounded the uplifting of the alcohol ban, claiming that he thought he would be ecstatic, but instead he is left feeling very worried. He explained that the President was not clear in the rules surrounding the sale of alcohol and was worried that the public will prioritize spending their money on alcohol, rather than on necessities. He also predicted that the public will stockpile on alcohol because of the fear that it may be banned again, and expressed that it might cause pandemonium in stores.

Finally, he addressed the economic ranking of the South African people, admitting that he falls under the upper-class category. He stated that these people would not be affected by Level 3, but it is the lower-income households who would bear the brunt of the President’s decision. He explained that despite alcohol being sold, people are still not bringing in money, which means that they will be using the money that they have on alcohol, as that they have been deprived for so long.

Somizi suggested that the buying of alcohol should be limited to online shopping, where people can be regulated. He advised that this would also prohibit the congestion in stores and avoid people breaking the social distancing law.