dyton mupawaenda
Several stakeholders have converged at the Harare International Conference Centre’s main auditorium to commemorate this year’s World Consumer Rights Day.
World Consumer Rights Day is commemorated annually on March 15 to raise awareness of consumer rights and promote them.
This year’s theme is “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles”.
Some of the notable guests in attendance are:
Guest of honour, Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu
Secretary for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mr Cosmas Chiringa
Consumer Rights Commission board chairperson, Ms Respina Ziyanduko.
Representatives from the Environmental Management Agency,
The business community
Representatives from the Postal & Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz)
Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera).
Miss Donna, a Star FM presenter, is the Master of Ceremony.
Our Reporter, Anesu January, is at the event and will keep you informed as the day unfolds.
Consumer Protection Commission board chair sets tone
Proceedings have started, with Consumer Protection Commission board chairperson, Ms Respina Zinyanduko giving her remarks.
She said while the local celebrations are being held today, World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15 every year.
Ms Ziyanduko said the day is meant to raise awareness about consumer rights.
She said the theme, ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Life’, was carefully chosen as every decision made by people has a huge impact on the planet.
“Consumer rights are essential components of a just, fair and good society,” Ms Ziyanduko said.
“Our decisions have to contribute to sustainability.”
Stakeholders join hands to uphold consumer rights
The Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tavengwa has said the Government places a lot of emphasis on consumer rights.
In a speech read on his behalf by Permanent Secretary Mr Cosmas Chiringa during the commemorations, Senator Tavengwa said: “The Government of Zimbabwe places consumer rights at the forefront of the development agenda as we move towards the attainment of Vision 2030 with a view of not leaving anyone behind.”
“My office values the cooperation we are getting from various stakeholders as we implement the final leg of the National Development Strategy 1, which is a building block in the achievement of Vision 2030.
“Let me also acknowledge the partnership that has been forged between my office and the Consumer Protection Commission.”
He said the theme aptly captures the essence of the day, which is to raise awareness about consumer rights, focusing on how the globe can transition to sustainable living.
Vendors putting lives at risk: Minister Ndlovu
Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the theme for this year’s commemorations is a call to action for making sustainable and healthy lifestyle choices.
The 2025 World Consumer Rights Day is being celebrated under the theme ‘A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles.’
In his keynote address at the event, Minister Ndlovu said: “Zimbabwe delights in joining its brothers and sisters all over the globe in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day. We need to remain alive to upholding consumer rights.”
The minister acknowledged Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe’s efforts to clear vendors from undesignated places, especially those who work at night.
Minister Ndlovu said the vendors are putting their lives and those of their customers at risk.
Online Reporter