A number of residents situated next door to a popular nightspot, Makubenjalo Pub & Restaurant in Diepkloof, Soweto, said they were relieved now that it has been shut down.
A group of SAPS members in full uniform were seen taking out alcoholic beverages and putting them inside state vehicles.
Those in the know alleged that there was money laundering, drugs, fake alcohol and a number of problems at the eatery.
The place gained more popularity recently as patrons got used to capturing videos of buyers also known as “ballers”, who would purchase expensive branded booze. Videos used to trend on TikTok and X, mostly on Mondays.
Region D2: ward 26 councillor Sithembiso Mashinini this week said he had noted with concern the misinformation circulating about the closure of Makubenjalo.
“To set the record straight, the Gauteng Liquor Board conducted an investigation into Makubenjalo and found compliance issues that led to the issuance of a closure notice. Contrary to speculation, the closure is not due to noise pollution, but rather non-compliance with regulatory standards,” said Mashinini.
“My office had previously received petitions regarding compliance concerns. While we understand the impact of job losses, we must emphasise that our country is governed by laws, not common sense. We cannot compromise on compliance.”
Mashinini said every business must meet the required standards, and those that don’t will be held accountable by the relevant government departments.
“We cannot have an animal farm situation where some businesses are exempt from compliance while others are held to account,” he said.
Mashinini said the case was opened by the relevant stakeholders, not by his office.
He said it was essential to note that when they do their job, “some individuals cry foul, but when they don’t, they complain that we’re not doing their job”.
“We are caught between a rock and a hard place. We don’t negotiate compliance. Further information will be shared in due course, as the case is still in court. For now, this is the only update my office will provide,” he said.
The restaurant also shared a notice about the closure.
“Dear Njalos patrons, kindly note that the Makubenjalo Pub & Restaurant Soweto will be closed for trade today Monday 29 July 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to you and we will keep you informed of all the developments in our communication platforms. Thank you for your patience and continued support. Yours truly, Makubenjalo team,” said the notice.
The Star got hold of the owner, who asked for his name and surname not to be mentioned.
He rubbished allegations of money laundering, drugs and fake alcohol and said he was not aware of them and did not intend to entertain them.
“The raid happened on Friday, I was told verbally that it was because there was a suspicion of non-compliance. No documents were given to me. I can confirm that relevant parties are trying to resolve this amicably,” said the owner.
He said there was nothing illegal at his establishment; in fact, he had changed the lives of locals and the economy of the area.
“I am a young entrepreneur who has changed lives and employed 115 people from the community, I support 15 suppliers. I will not entertain baseless and petty allegations, my conscience is clear,” he said.
The SACP Albert Nzula Branch in Diepkloof Ward 26 said it noted and welcomed the “peaceful” weekend owing to the closure of Makubenjalo.
“Firstly, we express our unwavering solidarity with the workers of Makubenjalo who lost an income because of the closure of the establishment. We put it clear that no one is to blame for this but the management of Makubenjalo. On several occasions, members of the community and councillor Sithembiso Mashinini engaged with the management on the issue of noise and non-compliance with relevant legislation. Because of arrogance, ignorance or benevolence, the management ignored these. Now the chickens have come to roost,” said Mxolisi Ndabz kaMdluli, branch secretary.
“… As things stand, our community has too many establishments that sell alcohol. We understand that this serves as a source of income for many working-class and poor households, but we cannot ignore the adverse consequences of this situation. The capitalist class knows very well that a drunken working class is incapable of organising, learning and mobilising for their own class rule, therefore, they leave selling alcohol as one of the few avenues that black business people are allowed to enter. This is a clear capitalist agenda!” said kaMdluli.
He further said: “Let us welcome the decisiveness of Mashinini on the matter. When many thought you’d cower before the petty bourgeoisie and its political lackeys, you decisively pledged your solidarity to the working class that was so instrumental in changing the trajectory of the ward in 2021. It is only through such action that the confidence of the working class can be gained and for this, we commend you – though you know that it is pointless to thank a fish for swimming.”
South Africans took to social media platform X to discuss the closure.
“Money laundering mo, drugs and fake booze,” wrote one user.
Another user wrote: “Makubenjalo was closed down on Monday. I knew it something was off about that place. Got popular very quickly.”
Another one wrote: “SACP wanted to eat at Makubenjalo but the owners refused then they went to the law enforcement to close it down.”
https://x.com/djstago/status/1818334432069091342?s=46&t=oeMLeLVU-0aswZe6EmGwPA
The Star