Online Reporter
Judith Phiri , Zimpapers Business Hub
THE business community and residents have called for a review of council budgets and licence fees imposed by local authorities to safeguard consumer rights, which they say are being violated across the country.
Local authorities are accused of charging exorbitant fees, discouraging business compliance and hindering investment.
Speaking at the recent 2025 Annual Consumer Conference in Bulawayo, Bulawayo Vendors and Traders Association (BVTA) executive director, Mr Michael Ndiweni, said that in line with Cabinet-approved positions, there was a need for local authorities to review budgets and licence fees.
“These need to be reviewed to ensure that we protect consumers, while also safeguarding the rights and viability of businesses, especially small enterprises. Consumer protection is not about punishing businesses; it is about creating a fair, predictable and dignified marketplace for everyone. Part of this work includes educating consumers on their rights and on the contents of the Act, so that they are not passive victims but active rights holders,” ,” he said.
He said that as the Consumer Protection Commission’s mandate was broad and critical, it was key to promote fair business ethics, uphold and protect consumer rights, and regulate and monitor markets — while also conducting market surveillance, educating consumers on the Consumer Protection Act and serving as the primary body empowered to enforce the Act in its entirety.
Mr Ndiweni added: “One of the key messages from the Commission was very clear: it is illegal and a punishable offence to declare that goods are non-returnable. We were also reminded that it is an offence to sell expired goods, with violations attracting fines of up to US$3 000. This is a strong signal that the era of impunity in how consumers are treated must come to an end.”
He emphasised that while the legal framework was important, there was also a need to be practical about everyday measures and practices that shape consumer experiences.
Mr Ndiweni raised concerns about makeshift anti-theft measures in some shops that are dehumanising to customers, and negative attitudes and practices in parts of the banking sector where clients are made to queue outside in harsh weather conditions.
“The absence of a unified customer index in the region, which could potentially improve customer service standards and accountability across sectors, is of concern. Other pressing consumer protection issues include misleading advertisements and false claims on products, as well as withdrawal limits that infringe on people’s rights to access their own savings and money,” he said.
Bulawayo Chamber of SMEs vice-chairperson, Ms Sithabile Bhebhe, bemoaned high rentals charged to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“When we talk about infringement of consumer rights, this issue of high rentals is also important. Most premises in the central business district (CBD) are too expensive, and a lot of shops have been closed as people move out due to high rentals. MSMEs are forced to operate outside, where they are exposed to the vagaries of harsh weather,” she said.
A snap survey conducted by this publication revealed that rentals for shop space in the CBD now range from US$200 for shared spaces, US$400 for small spaces, and up to US$1 000 or more depending on size and location.
Ms Bhebhe said the burden of high rentals and rates imposed by local authorities and landlords was a pressing concern for many businesses, potentially stifling growth and sustainability.
Bulawayo businessman, Mr Steve Mlambo, said that while they acknowledge authorities rely on consumer revenues to fund essential services and infrastructure, it was crucial to strike a balance that supports both the business community and the broader community’s needs.
“A more nuanced approach could help foster a thriving local economy where businesses can flourish and still contribute to the region’s growth and well-being,” he said.
He warned that a disjointed approach could inevitably harm the local economy, undermining efforts to rehabilitate industry.
Residents who attended the 2025 Annual Consumer Conference called for an inclusive economy — one where consumer rights are respected, businesses are treated fairly, vulnerable groups are protected and dignity is non-negotiable — while also stressing the need for vigorous public awareness campaigns, stronger enforcement and collective vigilance in safeguarding consumer rights.
The two-day event, hosted by the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) in partnership with Zimpapers, ran under the theme: “Combating Proliferation of Counterfeit Products for Enhanced Industry Competitiveness and Consumer Safety for the Realisation of Vision 2030.”
