Online Reporter
Judith Phiri, Zimpapers Business Hub
The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to address the menace of counterfeit products threatening local industries by causing revenue loss, damaging brand reputations, and leading to job cuts.
Giving welcome remarks at the Annual Consumer Conference in Bulawayo, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Mrs Netai Magade said the event was key to coming up with strategies to deal with the menace of counterfeit products
She said the enactment of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) [Chapter 14:44] was established to protect consumers by ensuring a fair, efficient, and transparent marketplace. It outlines consumer rights like the right to quality goods and safety, fair value, information, and redress.
Mrs Magade said the NDS2 to be launched by the end of this year will focus on strengthening the rights of consumers and curbing illicit market practices like the spread of counterfeit goods.
“The implementation of NDS2, covering 2026 to 2030, builds on the country’s existing legal framework established by the Consumer Protection Act of 2019.”
She said safeguarding consumers from deceptive, fraudulent, and improper trade practices was critical, while marketplace fairness was important in building a fair and transparent marketplace where both consumers and businesses comply with regulations.
Vice President Chiwenga is set to officially open the two-day conference on Friday. The conference is running under the theme: “Combating Proliferation of Counterfeit Products for Enhanced Industry Competitiveness and Consumer Safety for the Realisation of Vision 2030.”
