NCJ Number
129213
Date Published
1990
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This study examines the origin of shebeens and their status in modern South African black townships, the major categories of shebeens, their contribution to crime and other social problems, their illegal status and their legalization, and the view of Umlazi and KwaMashu residents toward shebeens.
Abstract
The word "shebeen" is of Irish origin. It refers to an unlicensed house that sells intoxicating drink. In South Africa, the word is believed to have derived from the Zulu word "shibhile," meaning "cheap." Shebeens in South Africa sold illegal liquor during the prohibition years prior to liquor legalization in 1962, and they have remained as a feature of the black township's social fabric despite persistent police raids and exorbitant prices. In this study of shebeens, the data were obtained through participant observation; informal interviews with shebeen owners, clients, parents, social workers, and community leaders; newspaper articles; and a social survey of Umlazi and KwaMashu residents. The study concludes that generally shebeens do not differ significantly from other places that serve alcoholic beverages. Clients of shebeens tend to think of them as their private clubs more than as public drinking establishments. Residents of the two townships, however, tend to view shebeens as places that spawn contacts and associations that encourage criminality. 1 table, 1 figure, and 12 references