Consumer Rights Day
22 March 2007
"The Department will embark on business clean up operations after every
third month," said MEC Darkey Africa on 15 March 2007 during the International
Consumer Day celebration in Mafikeng. MEC Africa said this was due to the
illegal practices that are used or done by shopkeepers and other business
operators in their businesses. The MEC went on an inspection of businesses
together with South African Police Service, liquor inspectors, ICASA Inspector,
Consumer Affairs Inspectors, Departmental Management and National Credit
Regulator for food outlets around Mafikeng.
These are some of the findings of the operation:
* Most shops are selling expired goods and dented canned food.
* Products are not marked with prices; shopkeepers will just look at you and
give you any price.
* Food in some restaurants is not up to standards.
* Some shops were not adhering to lay-bye regulations.
* In some businesses, cellphones were sold without the ICASA stamp of
approval
* For repairing cellphones the shopkeeper will take a Customer's Identity
Document as guarantee for payment.
Also, the MEC went to inspect liquor outlets and hotels. It was discovered
that liquor outlets do not separate smoking and non smoking areas. Most
restaurants sell liquor without liquor licences, which is against the Liquor
Act. Some hotels in the vicinity operate as Taverns. Those who have liquor
licences did not display them where they can be seen as stipulated by the
Liquor Act.
The business clean up operation up will continue in other areas of the
province until 30 March 2007.
For more information, please contact:
Ms Dumisa Seshabela
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 3877 855
Cell: 082 524 1499
Issued by: Department of Economic Development and Tourism, North West
Provincial Government
22 March 2007
