By Coline Dzavakwa
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce recently entered into a pact with Pastors for Economic Development in a move aimed at introducing consumer education and awareness in churches.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Thomas Utete Wushe, underscored that they were more than willing to partner with the church by taking advantage of established networks and communication platforms that are vital in disseminating knowledge on consumer protection.
During a meeting held recently, Dr Wushe said that the Ministry was responsible for promoting ethical behaviour in the market by encouraging fair trade, while also emphasising that they deeply respect the pivotal role played by the church.
“You are not just spiritual guides; you are pillars of your communities, offering counsel and support in many aspects of life. We believe that the principles of fair trading, honesty, and responsibility that are deeply embedded in your teachings align perfectly with the Ministry’s goals of consumer education,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary said they were deeply concerned by the proliferation and infiltration of backyard production of illicit, smuggled, counterfeit, and underweight products in the market.
He said this has significantly exposed consumers to harmful, defective, and substandard products that compromise the health and safety of the public.
“Of late, the market is flooding with cheaper, substandard products in all sectors, including the textile and clothing industry, food and beverage industry, electrical appliances, chemicals, and even medicine,” he added.
“The Ministry of Industry and Commerce has since taken decisive action, and efforts to curb the proliferation of smuggled and counterfeit goods are at an advanced stage.”
Dr Wushe said Cabinet directed the Ministry to establish a Taskforce on Business Malpractices to roll out comprehensive compliance inspections throughout the country.
He said so far the Taskforce has utilised a whole-of-government system to address offences associated with currency manipulation, the use of uncalibrated and un-assized fraudulent scales, unlabelled goods, and expired products, among a host of other offences.
“To date, the Ministry is pleased to report that invigorated surveillance and enforcement nationwide has led to the inspection of 2,343 business premises, resulting in 231 prosecutions. The Taskforce has issued 270 compliance notices, and the total number of seized products rose to 4,408.”
The Minister for Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndhlovu, is on record urging businesses to have in their possession valid operation licences from the requisite licensing authorities, receipts of goods purchased for resale, reserved sector certificates, Tax Clearance Certificates, and proof of duty payment for those selling imported products to avoid being found on the wrong side of the law.
The Taskforce has been praised for conducting compliance inspections, and several private sector players have chipped in with resources, information, and manpower.
The Ministry has said there is potential to work together towards building a more informed, empowered, and protected consumer landscape.
