23 May 2006
"In the consumer industry one can be particularly ripped off due to
ignorance." This was a statement by Premier Edna Molewa addressing more than 1
000 business people at a two day regulatory Lekgotla here in Mafikeng.
Molewa said the Lekgotla had an obligation to promote responsible consumer
behaviour.
"It is incumbent upon government and business to ensure that people do not
remain ignorant of the rules and regulations governing business."
The Lekgotla attracted delegates from spaza shops, taverns and a broad
spectrum of business owners. They are expected to determine the best possible
ways to protect consumers, how to grow and diversify the economy while at the
same time complying with existing laws regulating business activities.
"Broadly speaking, there are four critical areas of regulation that continue
to exercise our minds as the provincial government. These are in the areas of
consumer protection, liquor regulation, gambling and tourism."
Molewa suggested the Lekgotla consider looking at the possibility of
engaging the Department of Education with a submission to include consumer
education at schools in some of their educational activities.
"The possibility of engaging teacher trade unions, student organisations and
professional institutions that have interest to further consumer education is
another avenue that is worth exploring in this regard," she said.
"The possibility to engage in partnership with print media houses to
enlighten readers on consumer matters is one that we must seriously consider as
well, in addition to engaging our public broadcaster and community radio
stations with a view to increase consumer education programmes," she
continued.
On liquor regulation, Molewa said, there were serious challenges that needed
to be overcome. She added that the North West Liquor Bill was still in the
process of consultation and drafting but will soon go for public comment.
"What is important to note is that the bill seeks to radically change the
industry for better and it will even regulate traditional beer."
She cautioned delegates that such a bill would require careful drafting and
sufficient consultation, particularly with traditional communities and
traditional leadership.
"Jointly with them, we can look at all matters related to properly managing
what may seem to be the proliferation of shebeens in our communities as well as
this new avenue of regulation of traditional beer."
Molewa acknowledged that the liquor industry plays an important role in the
economy of the province and the country as a whole.
"We should be very vigilant in the regulation of the sale, distribution and
uses of liquor products, especially by the youth of our society. Rules may
provide that no liquor must be sold to less than 18 years, yet this still
happens. How do we curb this and protect these budding flowers of our society,
the youth?â
Molewa said government entrusted the Lekgotla with coming up with proposals
on the selling and regulating of liquor that would feed into the North West
Liquor Bill, over and above the public comment that the Bill will take into
consideration.
Concerning gambling it surfaced there were many operating illegally in the
province. This lot was warned to put their act together and follow proper
channels to enable them to lawfully conduct business.
Further information contact:
Cornelius Monama
Provincial Spokesperson
Tel: (018) 387 3456
Cell: 082 578 4063
Russel Mamabolo
Manager - Media Relations
Tel: (018) 387 3103
Cell: 082 900 6610
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
23 May 2006
