FESTIVE SEASON AHEAD: The growing risk of illicit alcohol trading

Loading player...
GUEST – Angela Russell, CEO of Drinks Federation of South Africa [DF-SA]
The growing illicit alcohol market presents a serious risk to both South Africa's economic recovery and the health of our citizens. This illegal industry undermines the industry’s efforts to support economic growth through its fiscal contributions and to alcohol harm reduction, impacting lives and livelihoods. This was the focus of discussions at the DF-SA roundtable held in Johannesburg under the theme “The Rise of Illicit Alcohol: A Collaborative Approach to Address Health and Economic Challenges”.
Angela Russell, CEO of DF-SA, stated, Illicit alcohol is on the rise, and that we need a multipronged, multi-stakeholder approach to contain it. The profitability in the trade of illicit alcohol has attracted organised crime and the penalties for smuggling and tax evasion are an insufficient deterrent. If left unchecked, this could become a runaway train, as on the African content the illicit alcohol accounts for 40% of the market.
28 Oct 2024 2PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

BofA Slashes SA Growth Forecast as Inflation Surges

Bank of America has cut South Africa’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 1.3%, warning that higher oil and fertilizer prices will keep inflation above 4% for most of the year. Economist Tatonga Rusike explains
23 Apr 3PM 11 min

Understanding SA’s First Wealth Score

Franc unveils South Africa’s first-ever Wealth Score, revealing that financial habits—not income—are the strongest predictor of financial health. We unpack why SA’s national score is 45/100 and the behavior gap between knowing and doing with Dr. Thomas Brennan, founder and CEO of Franc.
23 Apr 3PM 13 min

Clicks Lifts HEPS 8% Despite Warehouse Disruptions.

Clicks delivered firm interim results with diluted HEPS up 8.1%, even as warehouse system delays cost an estimated R175 million in lost sales. CEO Bertina Engelbrecht discusses pharmacy growth, trading margins, and festive‑season competition.
23 Apr 2PM 16 min