“Your company has been exempted from the 21-day lockdown and designated as an essential service provider," read a letter to the country's biggest beer manufacturer. Stock photo.The manufacturing and sale of alcohol has been deemed an “essential service” during Zimbabwe’s 21-day coronavirus lockdown.
The country’s biggest beer manufacturer, Delta Corporation, partly owned by SA’s SABMiller, received written confirmation from the ministry of industry and trade to continue operations, though with a leaner team.
“Your company has been exempted from the 21-day lockdown and designated as an essential service provider,” read a letter addressed to the company’s CEO, Pearson Gowero.
“To this end your company is required to operate with minimum but adequate staff as you aim to continue provision of essential services,” read the letter signed by Mavis Sibanda, the ministry’s permanent secretary.
Alcohol retailers such as bottle stores will be required to operate between 9am and 3pm.
The company’s corporate affairs executive, Patrica Murambinda, said she was not in a position to comment on the issue but Sekai Nzenza, the minister of industry and trade, confirmed the move.
“Yes it’s true. The permanent secretary has notified the company,” she said.
Sibanda said that the primary consideration was that Delta Corporation manufactured water and soft drinks.
“They also have soft drinks and water but we have no right to stop them from producing other products. If they [Delta Corporation] decide not to manufacture beer it’s their decision and if they decide not to open at all it’s up to them, but just like in other essential services we have been sending out letters,” she said.
Delta Corporation is one of Zimbabwe’s blue chip companies. For the last quarter of 2019 the company reported a 2% decline in revenue to $1.5bn but posted a 45% increase in profit of $382.4m.
Nightclubs and pubs will remain closed.
On the other hand, across the border to the South West of the country, Botswana has completely banned the sale of alcohol for thirty days.
This was revealed by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Ms Peggy Serame during a press conference to update the nation on government’s response to the pandemic.
Giving an example of regulations on the sale of alcohol introduced last week, the minister said due to challenges of enforcement and compliance, a decision had been taken to suspend the sale of alcohol for 30 days with effect from tomorrow.
The suspension would be reviewed at the end of the 30-day period, she said.