Minister Patel to address the 15th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference
Today at 09h45, the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Ebrahim Patel, will address the 15th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference. The Minister is expected to join a litany of speakers in sharing insights and policy proposals that brought to life this year’s theme – “Economic Recovery and Reconstruction – The Role of Competition Policy.” The Conference is the annual event which is proudly and jointly held by the Competition Commission and the Competition Tribunal of South Africa.
Commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele is also expected to deliver a special tribute to Professor Eleanor Fox, Professor of Trade Regulation at the New York University School of Law. The tribute will be followed by a lecture by Professor Fox who recently published a book on Concurrences titled “Antitrust Ambassador to the World,” part of which had contributions from the Competition Commission of South Africa.
The Conference enjoins legal practitioners, economists, politicians, academics, industry role players and civic society in a meeting of minds to discuss and reflect on competition regulation, state of the economy and policy proposals aimed at shaping an inclusive, deconcentrated economy.
In addressing Economic Recovery and Reconstruction, speakers elevated the urgent need to build capable, developmental, and ethical institutions that are critical in the achievement of a growing and inclusive economy in South Africa. The Conference also addressed extensively lessons learnt from the pandemic for future competition regulation.
Yesterday’s sessions were graced by deliberations of seasoned local and international amongst whom were the Commissioner of the Mexican Competition Authority, Ms Alejandra Palacious Prieto; Director-General of the Kenyan Competition Authority, Mr. Francis W. Kariuki; Chairperson of the Competition Tribunal, Ms Mondo Mazwai; Commissioner of the Public Service Commission, Professor Somadoda Fikeni; as well as the Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnet, Ms Portia Derby.
Other topical and exciting sessions for the next two days will cover:
- the role of public interest in economic recovery and transformation; and
- access to vaccines, diagnostic kits, and related products during and after the Covid-19 pandemic
In his welcoming address Commissioner Bonakele paid homage to recently departed Judge Jerome Bhekisisa “JB” Mnguni while dedicating the Conference to the late Tshepo Sekaiwa. “Tshepo was a young man who joined us as an intern in 2016. He had worked in some of the ground-breaking projects at the Commission, including the Public Transport Market Inquiry. He left a lasting legacy, and one we pledge, as his colleagues, to uphold. We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of our departed colleague.”
The Commission also launched a Multidisciplinary Research Grant Programme (MRGP) aimed at promoting multidisciplinary research at South African tertiary institutions that can inform and enhance competition law enforcement in the country. The launch officially opened an invitation for high quality and substantive multidisciplinary research proposals relevant to competition law enforcement that may contribute to informing and improving enforcement in South Africa.
Enquires:
Siyabulela Makunga, Spokesperson, Competition Commission of South Africa
Tel: 012 394 3493 / 067 421 9883
WhatsApp No: 072 768 0238)
Email: SiyabulelaM@compcom.co.za
