Society Reporter
OUR article headlined “Kambucha: Wonder drink or illicit brew?” that we published last week has sparked interesting public debate.
There seems to be divided opinion over the increasingly popular local beverage — Kambucha.
In recent months, there have been growing concerns over the drink, amid allegations it contains alcohol.
Produced by Fresh Kambucha Zimbabwe, the product is advertised as “a health drink made from natural ingredients such as lemon, garlic, black pepper and ginger”.
Mr Chinguwa
The supposed medical benefits of consuming the drink are: aiding digestion, cleansing of the male reproductive system, boosting the immune system and treating back pain, among others.
But the claims are not scientifically proven. Kambucha is currently packaged in three varieties — the Kambucha Lemon Drink, the Fresh Kambucha (labelled Number 3) Drink and the Manyuchi Power Drink.
However, investigations conducted by The Sunday Mail Society reveal that, of the three varieties, the Fresh Kambucha Drink is widely believed to be laced with alcohol.
The Government has since flagged Kambucha as part of a wider campaign against drug and substance abuse.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Liquor Licensing Board are working together on the investigations, clearance, non-clearance classification, banning and licensing of new alcoholic drinks in the market, including the Kambucha beverage,” said Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Jenfan Muswere in a post-Cabinet briefing last week.
“The Government continues to heighten the fight against illegal inflows of illicit drugs, substances and alcohol throughout the country.”
Mr Willard Chinguwa , the Fresh Kambucha Zimbabwe managing director, said the company is working towards acquiring the required papers.
He also raised concern over potential “industrial sabotage”.
“As I speak, our legal officer is coming from the Harare City Council, where he was processing some of the required documents. The major challenge that we are facing are the companies and individuals who are imitating our products,” Mr Chinguwa said.
Below are some of our readers’ responses to the article we published last week. Read on . . .
If it has alcohol, it must be banned. Or better still, it must be sold in bottle stores and beer halls as an alcoholic beverage. — Justice Mutsereketa
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People must stop commenting on things they have no idea about . . . This Kambucha drink is the best natural antioxidant infusion ever made by our indigenous local company. It can help if you have acid, kidney and heart problems. Remember, part of the drink’s ingredients are honey and garlic. — Danny Maringe
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The drink is good but one needs to drink it in moderation. — Walter Nyakudya
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This thing should be banned. The Allied Health Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe, the Standards Association of Zimbabwe, the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe and health authorities once said they will go and investigate. They never came back with the report. I guess they were given Kambucha and got drunk, and failed to do the report. — Jay Jay Jay
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The Number 3 variety is as sweet as honey. — Lee Roy EL Roy
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But why is it that members of the Apostolic sects who do not drink beer are drinking Kambucha? — Pee Fish
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Thanks to Kambucha, members of the Apostolic sects are dancing wildly at their church services after getting drunk. — Benjamin Welshaz Mberie
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So, does one need a liquor licence to sell this ginger ale? — Tinashe Matsongoni
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People are drinking Kambucha the wrong way. You do not gulp it as if you are drinking water. People must get in touch with the producers so that they are told how to correctly consume it. — Douglas Mafunga
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It is our money that we use to buy Kambucha. Our lips are the ones that we use to drink. The contents go into my stomach. Why are you concerned? Leave drinkers alone. — Fra Gotora
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Drink it at your own risk. Kkkkk. — Ngoni Tapfumanei
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This is not an alcoholic beverage. The ingredients ferment, making it potent. — Tichaona Chifeche
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Just do your job and leave us with our drinks. — Dunnie T. Rashayi
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As Zimbabweans, we pull each other down. So, what is the solution to all this? — Simbarashe Madhuku
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This drink has healing properties. It is just that it is being abused just as they are abusing cough syrup. — Abel Chatyoka
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This drink is good for treating acids and ulcers. We are going to drink it as long as it is available. — Alex Walussa
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Ban it, simple! — Don Davis
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Even Benylin is intoxicating . . . the issue is, this is a herbal drink that is being abused. Otherwise, hands off Kambucha. It is doing more good than harm, especially to people with stomach ailments and issues to do with libido. — Leonel Maswera
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Kambucha is good for our health. We need a lot of this drink. May the producers reach us in Binga. — Luckson Ndlovu
