Consumer month inspections yield results

Following Economic Development and Tourism MEC Darkey’s declaration during during the International Consumer Day celebration the “The Department will embark on business clean up operations after every third month” said MEC Darkey Africa on the 15th March 2007 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 SAPS (liquor inspectors) ICASA Inspector, Consumer Affairs Inspectors, Departmental Management and National Credit Regulator for food out lets 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 cell phone were sold without the ICASA stamp of approval.
  
• For repairing cell phones the shopkeeper will take a Customers ID 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 licenses, which is against the Liquor Act. Some hotels in the vicinity operate as Taverns. Those who have liquor licenses did not display them where they can be seen as stipulated by the Liquor Act.

MEC Africa(left) and an inspector from ICASA inspecting some of the cell phone for the ICASA stamp of approval during the Consumer Month. The dealer in the picture was found to be compliant.