The ladies of Soweto are being served in Brutal Fruit’s Women-only Shebeen, the first pop-up bar of its kind in South Africa. This game-changing drinking spot was launched inside a pretty-in-pink-themed corrugated iron structure called the Rockerfella Tavern in Molapo. The creators of the tavern wanted it to stay true to a classic shebeen on the outside, but provide a safe, beautiful, and luxurious space on the inside.   

The Shebeen is an exclusive initiative to celebrate Women’s Month. It will be open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays until the end of August.

The Idea Behind Brutal Fruit’s Women-only Shebeen

According to Candace Van den Bosch, the acting head of the brand for Brutal Fruit Spritzer, the idea to launch the event came from social listening, where women told stories online about their desire to have women-only spaces and experiences.

“A play on the word shebeen, this venue is in response to the call from many South African women who often fear going out at night to have fun.”

Candace Van den Bosch

While Project Lead Akona Dugane spoke with Talk Radio 702, she confirmed these statements saying women online were “calling for a space just for women where they can dress, act, and express themselves as they want in comradery with other women.”

In an interview with News24, Van den Bosch continued:

“The longer-term goal is to spark that conversation or that social movement where we can then start implementing Shebeen compliance to all social mixed-gender outlets that can then conform to criteria that is more woman-friendly and meets the needs that are specific to women when we go out.”

Candace Van den Bosch

Brutal Fruit’s Women-only Shebeen Aims to Create More Safe Spaces for Women

The beverage company has undertaken a Responsible Trader Programme to advocate for similar initiatives in the broader industry to make way for longer-term solutions.

The brand audits 30,000 retailers every year to test their responsible trading practices. They identified key elements which relate to creating safer spaces for women, including:

• Having sufficient lighting inside and outside the facility.
• Having working CCTV cameras.
• Having a presence of visible personnel to maintain order and decorum.

And facilities must have:

• Visible and accessible communication material that promotes responsible drinking.
• Clean basins for handwashing in the restrooms.
• Fully functional, well-lit, and marked bathrooms for males and females.

And with SAB as a supportive stakeholder, there will be rewards for compliant outlets.

Brutal Fruit’s Women-only Shebeen Launch

The She-been was launched on National Women’s Day with a lavish celebration. The gorgeous and glamorous ladies that were in Soweto to attend the function were surrounded by influencers and celebrities. They were also entertained by South Africa’s best talent including DJ Zinhle, Busiswa, and Lebo Mashile.

This is an exciting time in our country when the most vulnerable voices are being heard.

Crowning of Miss South Africa 2023.