The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) launched the National Liquor Authority (NLA) Walk-In Centre and first in-house developed online Case Management System (CMS) to improve customer service and promote compliance within the liquor industry in Pretoria today. The centre will provide solutions to challenges experienced by clients regarding the processing of their liquor licence applications.
According to the Chief Director of the National Liquor Authority, Ms Prea Ramdhuny the centre, which is in its first-phase of implementation will offer both face-to-face interaction and an online web-based case management system application to its customers.
“The Walk-In Centre will be manned by expert NLA staff that will assist client’s file-in registrations, provide information on the licencing requirements and assist with any enquiries regarding the NLA. Clients will be able to track the status of their applications on the website. For technology-savvy clients, the online process is simple and efficient and there is no need to travel to our offices. The web-based Customer Management System can be accessed from the comfort of their homes, office or anywhere in the country,” said Ramdhuny.
Ramdhuny highlighted that Phase-1 of the Walk-In Centre and Case Management System will deal only with new applications.
“It is also important for our clients to note that when doing telephonic enquiries, the staff managing the centre will only have read-only access to their information. They can be assured that their information will not be tempered-with. I think with this initiative we have demonstrated appreciation for our clientele, the onus now rests with them to ensure that they furnish us with all the required documentation when submitting applications to guarantee a smooth process,” added Ramdhuny.
Ramdhuny also said that phase-2 of the roll-out will focus on automation of renewals, relocations and transfers.
The Acting Deputy Director-General of Consumer and Corporate Regulation at the dti, Mr MacDonald Netshitenzhe highlighted the policy direction of the NLA.
“It is important that we bring together other enforcement on board in execution of the mandate of the NLA. We have to capacitate the inspectorate from all tiers of government to make sure that we protect our people while we are also marketing the country as an attractive investment destination,” said Netshitenzhe.
The NLA is responsible for the administration of the National Liquor Act and is primarily responsible for regulating the macro-manufacturing and distribution tiers of the liquor industry in South Africa.
Acting Deputy Director-General of Consumer and Corporate Regulation, Mr MacDonald Netshitenzhe and Chief Director of the National Liquor Authority, Ms Prea Ramdhuny officially opening the Walk-In and Case Management System Centre at the dti Campus in Pretoria.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
