against those breaking business competition regulations
22 November 2007
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is concerned about the
negative impact anti-competitive business behaviour has on the attainment of
socio-economic rights by the poor, as they are the ones heavily bearing the
brunt of such practices.
The SAHRC hopes the Competition Commission will recommend stringent action
later when it completes its investigation into bread and milling cartels and in
its banking enquiry report regarding anti competitive outcomes.
Anti-competitive business behaviour should not only be characterised as a
more civilised form of illegal corporate activity but should also be viewed
within the same context of criminal findings of fraud and corruption
perpetrated by companies and individual employees.
Secondly, especially when dealing with basic commodities like bread, we
cannot separate the illegal activities of companies from their impact on the
economic and social rights of the communities who comprise their customer base
and from whom they derive their profit.
As these illegal activities concern basic commodities and disproportionately
affect disadvantaged communities, they paint a picture of the ruthless
prioritisation of profit at the expense of the marginalised, which are already
disproportionately affected by food and fuel inflation.
Enquiries:
Christine Jesseman
Cell: 083 647 3887
Or
Vincent Moaga
Cell: 073 562 9866
Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission
22 November 2007
Source: South African Human Rights Commission
