This 2026 Limpopo Liquor Indaba was held on 3 March 2026 at Kalahari Waterfront under the theme “Compliance Today for Safer Communities Tomorrow”. The conference brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders committed to building a responsible and sustainable liquor industry in Limpopo Province. Convened through a collaborative partnership between the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) and the University of Venda, the Indaba served as a strategic platform for government, researchers, law enforcement agencies, industry leaders and traditional authorities to deliberate on liquor regulation, enforcement and community safety.
Honourable Tshitereke Matibe, MEC for Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
When delivering the keynote address, Honourable Tshitereke Matibe called for urgent restoration of accountability within the liquor sector, asserting that compliance is not optional but fundamental to sustainable economic development and public trust. While acknowledging the liquor industry’s contribution to employment, tourism and economic growth, the MEC highlighted serious concerns relating to underage drinking, illicit trading if liquor and cigarettes, inconsistent enforcement of licensing conditions and alcohol-related crime. He urged for a stricter adherence to municipal by-laws, improved interdepartmental coordination and stronger enforcement mechanisms to ensure that economic benefits are balanced with community well-being.
Throughout the Indaba, presentations from the South African Police Service, the Department of Transport and Community Safety, and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition reinforced the urgent need to combat illicit liquor trade and improve regulatory compliance. Messages of support from industry stakeholders, including Heineken and the Limpopo Gambling Board, further underscored the importance of shared responsibility in promoting responsible trading practices.
Three focused panel discussions examined strengthening of liquor licensing compliance through intergovernmental cooperation; enhancement of law enforcement strategies to address illicit trading, underage drinking and gender-based violence; and improving municipal by-law enforcement alongside responsive community complaint management systems. These discussions reflected a clear recognition that effective regulation requires coordinated action across all spheres of government and meaningful engagement with communities and industry stakeholders.
Prof Fulufhelo Netswera, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies at the University of Venda
In his opening remarks, Prof Fulufhelo Netswera underscored the value of academic-government partnerships in shaping sound public policy. He commended LEDET for its leadership in convening the Indaba and highlighted the importance of evidence-based research in addressing alcohol-related challenges. Prof Netswera cited findings from the World Health Organisation and reminded attendees about the significant global and national burden associated with alcohol and drug abuse, particularly in relation to public health, road safety and social stability.
Dr Matodzi Rathumbu, Head of the Department for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
Dr Matodzi Rathumbu emphasised that the Limpopo Liquor Indaba was intended to facilitate robust, honest and research-driven dialogue that is aimed at strengthening liquor legislation and regulatory frameworks. He highlighted the need for improved data collection, enhanced compliance monitoring and closer coordination between regulatory authorities and law enforcement. Importantly, he highlighted the involvement of students and researchers from the University of Venda as a critical step towards generating credible research outputs that can inform future policy reforms and regulatory improvements.
The Liquor Indaba concluded with an open-floor session, adoption of key resolutions and a clear roadmap for sustained collaboration. There was a shared understanding of advanced compliance mechanisms that are needed not only to safeguard the integrity of the liquor industry, but also for protecting communities and fostering a safer and accountable Limpopo residents.
Panel members
Attendees of the 2026 Limpopo Liquor Indaba
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: 082 868 2218 / 082 868 1811
