14/05/2026
🎱 POOL TABLES ARE CHANGING KWAMAQOMA — AND LIQUOR TRADERS ARE SEEING THE DIFFERENCE 🎱
By Lebo Mothlabane | OurNews
Something powerful is happening in KwaMaqoma every Sunday — and it starts around a pool table. But liquor traders also have a serious concern that these tournaments could be used to promote illegally operated establishments.
What began as simple Sunday pool tournaments has quickly grown into a movement that is changing local businesses, creating jobs and bringing communities together.
The newly revived KwaMaqoma Liquor Traders Association says the impact has been impossible to ignore.
Speaking to OurNews, Association Chairperson Mr. Monwabisi Ntaka of TK Lounge (Mhinkana) said pool is making a real difference in KwaMaqoma.
“It’s amazing that pool can have this much impact on a community,” said Ntaka. “KwaMaqoma is known as a rugby community, but this year pool is proving to be even more impactful. Businesses are seeing the difference, customers are enjoying themselves and the community atmosphere has improved.”
Every Sunday, tournaments move from venue to venue, attracting supporters from across KwaMaqoma and nearby towns like Alice and Seymour. Taverns become full of music, laughter, competition and social activity. Food vendors also benefit, with many selling out before the night ends.
The impact has also been seen online. After tournament photographs were shared from Morris Tavern earlier this year, the venue’s page reportedly grew from around 149 followers to more than 1,000 within a week.
Liquor trader Mr. Mzwandile “Tanci” Kameni says the tournaments are also helping promote responsible drinking.
“When we host these tournaments, we often hire extra staff for the day, and that means job creation,” said Kameni. “But what stands out most is how controlled the environment becomes. Players focus on the game and supporters also drink responsibly while watching. Since these tournaments started, we have not even had fights on Sundays.”
According to the Association, this is exactly the kind of entertainment they want to encourage — safe fun, business growth and responsible socialising.
The organisation also praised the growing unity among local business owners. In recent weeks, tavern owners have been seen supporting tournaments hosted by other venues, something many community members say is helping build respect and cooperation in KwaMaqoma.
However, the Association stressed that all tournaments and establishments must operate within the law.
The traders warned against the use of pool tournaments to promote businesses operating illegally, especially establishments involved in hiring out liquor licences, which is prohibited under Eastern Cape Liquor Board regulations.
“The law is clear,” said Ntaka. “Liquor licences cannot be hired out.”
Despite these concerns, the KwaMaqoma Liquor Traders Association says it remains fully committed to supporting the pool movement and hopes to eventually challenge liquor traders from outside KwaMaqoma through future tournaments.
For many residents, Sunday pool is no longer just a game. It is becoming a symbol of unity, opportunity and positive change in KwaMaqoma.
