The United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA) has endorsed the sentiments expressed by various organisations opposing the lifting of the alcohol ban.

The Gauteng Liquor Forum which claims to represent about 20,000 small businesses in Gauteng says it concerned the lockdown regulations introduced by government could be unconstitutional and therefore have no authority under law.

They want to be allowed to run a limited service in order to survive.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has asked to be given until Friday to respond to the forum’s request.

In a statement, UUCSA’s Ml Yusuf Patel says the lifting of the ban on alcohol will not bid well for the national lockdown.

“The sale of alcohol will compromise the core objective of the lockdown to curb the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic due to the impaired judgement which is experienced by inebriated individuals while strict social distancing laws must be observed.”

Ml Patel says they also condemn the used of excessive force by police and the SANDF.

“We call upon the authorities to rein in the errant and rogue elements within both the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force that abuse their authority and tarnish the name of state agencies whose functions is to protect the lives, dignity and property of people while trying to enforce the lockdown regulations.”

At the same time, Ml Patel has also commended officials who are working under immense pressure during the lockdown.

Faizel Patel 

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)