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MASVINGO municipality has banned its workers with immediate effect from drinking Kambucha during working hours as it is deemed to have alcohol content.
Kambucha/Kombucha is a fermented, lightly effervescent, sweetened black tea drink commonly consumed for its purported health benefits. Sometimes the beverage is called kombucha tea to distinguish it from the culture of bacteria and yeast. Juice, spices, fruit or other flavorings are often added.
Workers were said to be reporting for duty drunk after consuming Kambucha “in the guise that it is medicinal.”
However, the local authority said it has been reliably and authoritatively advised by the Council’s Medical Doctor that the drink contains alcohol.
“It has come to our attention that some Council employees come to work whilst drunk due to consumption of alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
“It has also been noted that some employees are seen consuming Kambucha drink during working hours in the guise that it is medicinal. However, we are reliably and authoritatively advised by the Council’s Medical Doctor that the drink contains alcohol.
“In light of the above, it is advised that the consumption of Kambucha drink during working hours be banned with immediate effect. Furthermore, employees are discouraged at all costs to report for duty whilst drunk, for such behaviours constitute acts of misconduct in terms of the City of Masvingo Employment Code of Conduct,” the local authority said in a departmental dated 21 September, 2023.
Bongani Ndlovu
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