Kaapse mense are feeling high and dry after government’s decision to ban dop en entjies during the Coronavirus lockdown.
It’s been a week since the start of the 21-day period, in which alcohol may not be sold or distributed.
And with the bars and shebeens shut, and fridges running on empty, these avid drinkers have found a way to have a dop without breaking the law.
The Daily Voice travelled to Khayelitsha where people are brewing umqombothi.
“We are asked to stay at home and there is nothing to do. On the other hand, we are thirsty,” cried a man carrying two King Korn bags of malted sorghum used to brew the traditional African beer.
HEY BREW: Khayelitsha friends resort to making umqombothi as the sale of alcohol is banned. Picture: Velani Ludidi
He explains that it takes around two days to make 25 litres, which he and his two friends can drink for a week.
“It must be known, we are not bothering anyone, we just want to drink,” he says.
“It is difficult to live without alcohol. I understand the minister of police is trying to fix the country but can you (media) please beg him to reconsider the decision to ban alcohol?”
The man said he was planning to make 50 litres, which he will drink for the duration of the lockdown.
SALE: Sorghum is used to make beer
Shop owner, Asad Ahmed, said he was not aware that the wheat malt was being used for alcohol production.
“People say they use it for porridge in the mornings and I sold it to them. I sold 28 3kg bags in one day and I was surprised as people never bought it before,” Asad says.
Umqombothi is usually made when there is a traditional occasion as it is believed that it is the drink the ancestors prefer.
IT’S BEERY GOOD: Taking a sip