The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) and Proudly South African (Proudly SA) call on members of the public to boycott pirated and illegally imported goods.
This call to action forms part of efforts, especially in the run up to the festive season, to re-ignite awareness around this crime scourge which costs South Africa’s economy billions of rands in lost revenue annually.
“Counterfeit and illegally imported goods deprive honest workers in the creative industry of jobs and a sustainable income. Manufacturing, selling or buying these goods is not only illegal it literally takes the food out of the mouths of honest businesses, up-and-coming artists, entrepreneurs and their families. In short, piracy perpetuates poverty,” said the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies.
South Africa is regarded as a top ‘dumping’ destination for fake and illegally imported goods due to the high demand created by local consumers. According to reports, last year alone SARS conducted more than 25 000 seizures and confiscated illegal goods valued at R2.6 billion.
“As proud South Africans we cannot allow our creative industries to continue bleeding while criminal scavengers illegally benefit through stealing the work of our artists and creative minds. Pirated goods rob the original creators of their future. This also robs the government of tax revenue and ultimately has a negative impact on South Africa’s economy and South African families,” said CEO of Proudly South African, Advocate Leslie Sedibe.
Goods are often smuggled into the country from places such as South-East Asia. According to the SARS 2012/13 Annual Report, presented to Parliament on 18 September 2013, among the methods used by illicit traders to circumvent customs and other Government agencies are identity theft, falsification of documents, ghost businesses and alternative remittance schemes.
Customs operations achieved considerable success in the detection of illicit CDs, DVDs and tobacco products as well as counterfeit goods, among others, at ports of entry and mail centres. It secured an average of 26 “busts” a day at ports of entry across the country and detections included illicit cigarettes worth R37.8 million, counterfeit clothing worth R155 million and counterfeit CDs and DVDs worth R671million.
"However, the success of our enforcement agencies is undermined by the continued demand for these illegal products by us consumers. We must say no to pirated gods and illegal imports. By buying pirated goods, consumers are not just saving a few rands they are effectively supporting a worldwide franchise of criminal activity," said Minister Davies.
“Dealing with the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality cannot be left up to government alone. As South African and as consumers - we all need to unite behind efforts to fight piracy and illegal imports in order to prevent job losses, stimulate job creation and ultimately fuel economic growth,” said Minister Davies.
Both the dti and Proudly SA have urged consumers to support local industries by buying original and genuine products from legal and reputable retailers and shops. Consumers are encouraged to support local products and be proudly South African. Referring to all South African consumers, Advocate Sedibe asked: “Are you a real proud South African or are you faking it? Say no to illegal and pirated goods.”
The call to boycott pirated goods is supported by Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Southern African Federation Against Copyright Theft (SAFACT) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe, Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Follow us on twitter: @the_dti
Gillian de Gouveia, Proudly South African
Cell: 082 410 1195
E-mail: Gillian@proudlysa.co.za
