Educated African men were issued permits, which allowed them to consume European wine, spirits and malt beer.
[2] Before 1928 African women played an important role in beer-brewing for government structures and beer halls.
[7][5] The boycott of the beer halls was an indication of the growing discontent of people against many oppressive measures before democracy in South Africa.
[9] These boycotts and riots were in response to the Native Beer Act of 1908 which resulted in many African women in urban and rural areas losing a source of income.
The Natal branch of the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) campaigned for the closure of municipal beer halls.
Director of the Bantu Administration Department, Mr Bourquin, addressed approximately 2000 women at the Cato Manor Beer Hall.
In a statement in the House of Assembly, the Minister for Justice stated that 25 buildings had been burnt down and 7 damaged, all associated to the Beer Hall riots.
Beer Halls were temporarily closed and municipal bus services suspended after numerous attacks on vehicles.
[13][14] After the Minister of Native Affairs granted the council the exclusive right to brew and supply beer from 1 July 1938, over 200 African women marched to the City Hall of East London to interview the Mayor.