24 Mar 2020 SA alcohol industry steps forward to alleviate the hand sanitiser shortage

The alcohol industry has mobilised to save South Africa from the persistent shortage of hand sanitiser, reports CapeTalk radio.

Like many compatriots in other countries, local alcohol producers have come up with some help to the shortage of hand sanitisers, and pledged to donate 40 000 litres of alcohol (96%) to make hand sanitisers.

Consultations are ongoing to release even more pure alcohol, free of charge.

Cape Talk’s Refilwe Moloto interviewed Sibani Mngadi, Corporate Relations Director at Diageo SA, and also the spokesperson for the South African Liquor Brandowners Association (Salba).

Salba, Vinpro and the Beer Association of SA collectively represent nearly all local alcohol production in South Africa, including SAB, Distell, Diageo, Heineken and Pernod Ricard.

Some quotes from Mngadi:

“We are waiting for confirmation from SARS on whether we can get tax exemption [referring to sin taxes] to provide another 100 000 litres of pure alcohol… Santiser producers are struggling to obtain alcohol…”

“… 40 000 litres of pure (96%) alcohol produces about 100 000 bottles of sanitiser of 500ml each…”

“The hand sanitiser [made from the first 40 000 litre donation] should be available next week…”

“We are not selling. We are donating to producers…”

“We will appeal to the government… We should have access to alcohol outlets such as bottle stores… We believe alcohol contributes to enjoyment and celebration… If people are locked up at home at least let them have a good supply of everything they need.”

Here the Cape Talk interview here: