More retrenchments could be on the way.

South African Breweries has sacked 550 workers as a result of the alcohol ban, stating that they simply cannot afford wages while unable to sell alcohol locally. Earlier, another liquor company, Heineken, retrenched about 70 workers for the same reason. Liquor groups and associations are pleading with the government to reopen the sale of alcohol in South Africa, saying that if the ban continues, more retrenchments can definitely be expected. The current alcohol ban is set to last until 15 February.