The Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry today met with stakeholders regarding government’s intention to introduce regulations regarding the labelling of products originating from the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Three organisations, Open Shuhada Street, the South African Zionist Federation and the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, made inputs to the Committee.
The Committee emphasised the need for consultation between parties and adequate consultation by the department before any final decision on the regulations are taken.
Ms Joanmariae Fubbs, chairperson of the Committee, stressed the need for such consultation to occur instead of parties following the legal route. “It is important that we find each other as South Africans.” She emphasized that South Africa pursued a principled international relations policy which was complemented by its strategic trading policy.
The meeting came as some Jewish organisations in South Africa were proceeding to take the Department of Trade and Industry, and its minister, Dr Rob Davies, to court over a notice of intention in terms of the Consumer Protection Act that products originating from the Occupied Palestinian Territory must not be incorrectly labelled as products from Israel.
The Department of Trade and Industry made it clear in the meeting that general notice 379 of 2012 was a mere intention to issue a notice and that a properly formulated notice have not been issued and will only be done once consultation has occurred.
The Committee further made it clear that in terms of existing legislation, it was important that the origin of products coming into South Africa be correctly labelled.
Ms Fubbs indicated that the Department of Trade and Industry informed her that they would next week issue a notice of intention to this effect. The public will then have 30 days to make input on the matter.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, Ms Joanmariae Fubbs, please contact:
Rajaa Azzakani
Cell: 082 560 9610
Tel: 021 403 8437
E-mail: razzakani@parliament.gov.za
