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“Most shebeen operators have been oppressed as some people link them with prostitution but there is no difference between a shebeen and a hotel in the city as in some hotels you will also find prostitutes.”
Governor Mathema said shebeens were a good place of socialisation such as solving domestic disputes and holding meetings for burial societies.
He said they were also convenient as they were in residential areas.
“Shebeens were born out of a need from black people to socialise after a hard day’s work. Most people like to drink locally and they find it difficult to go to far away places, as there are no bars and pubs in most residential areas. So shebeens should be allowed to operate,” said Governor Mathema.
He called on the city council to help push for shebeens to be legalised.
“The legalisation has to be done properly as the council will have to approve and allocate stands for these places and also issue licences for their operation,” said Governor Mathema.
During the colonial era, popular shebeens were mostly located in townships as an alternative to upmarket pubs and bars that were no-go areas for blacks in the city centre.
Despite being illegal in the colonial era, shebeens contributed towards the liberation of the country.
They were platforms where political activists could discuss political strategies to fight the settler regimes.
Other politicians such as the late Vice-President Joseph Msika, Sydney Malunga, former Mayor Cde Joshua Malinga and former Cabinet Minister Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu have also called for the legalisation of shebeens.
Cde Malinga in fact described shebeens as places where gentlemen go.
Meanwhile, Cde Mathema also said supermarkets should be allowed to open 24 hours so that people are able to do their shopping any time of the day.
Online Reporter