Of alcohol, culture and liberty

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A couple of weeks ago, President Ian Khama congratulated Kgalagadi Breweries Trust for its youth empowerment programmes.

However, unbeknownst to many, the president was planning an onslaught against the lifeblood of the trust and its parent company Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL). Recently, Khama caused a stir by announcing that his government will slap a massive 70 percent tax hike on all alcohol products in the country to control drinking. He promised that if the measure is not effective, he will increase the tax again to achieve his aim.

Any discussion that centres on alcohol ends up being swayed off-line by emotive and subjective thinking with very little rationality. The voices of those who attach emotions and subjectivity to the matter prevail. Alcohol consumers are often seen as incapable of deciding their own fate. This is despite the rich history and culture of the 'elders' brew' as some used to call alcohol.

Editor's Comment
Closure as pain lingers

March 28 will go down as a day that Batswana will never forget because of the accident that occurred near Mmamatlakala in Limpopo, South Africa. The tragedy affected not only the grieving families but the nation at large. Batswana throughout the process stood behind the grieving families and the governments of Botswana and South Africa need much more than a pat on the back.Last Saturday was a day when family members said their last goodbyes to...

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