malvernmugadzikwa
Online Reporter
EXPLOITATION of consumers by businesses could soon be a thing of the past, as the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) have partnered to set up a consumer academy.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail Online, CCZ executive director Mrs Rosemary Mpofu said the academy is meant to close the knowledge gap among business stakeholders.
“As CCZ, we noted a huge knowledge gap in consumer protection among suppliers of goods and services, particularly the small businesses,” she said.
“Suppliers need to appreciate the importance of consumer protection in all sectors of the economy. Consumers have rights and these must be respected. Businesses that uphold consumer rights are known to grow and become highly competitive.”
The academy will provide technical training of registered students through selected modules for a period not less than six months to obtain a certificate on consumer protection.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu will officially launch the academy on Friday in Harare.
Bongani Ndlovu