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Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug, 2021 -- The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has set up multiple channels to help businesses who were affected by recent unrest.

Not only has the department created an economic recovery hotline to engage businesses in distress, but are also urging affected enterprises to participate in an online survey to determine the level of damage.

‘This will allow the government to develop appropriate support measures to assist companies during the process of rebuilding and economic stabilisation,’ said department spokesperson Bongani Lukhele.

The economic recovery plans and business support comes amid ongoing efforts to get the supply of food, medicine and basic goods to KZN cities and towns sped up.

‘Key raw materials and components are being prioritised. ‘The response of manufacturers and retailers has been positive in efforts to rebuild the productive sectors.

‘At the same time, government is doing an assessment of the extent of loss of production and distribution facilities, and what can be done to secure alternative local supplies of raw materials and other critical goods.

‘The priority is to further strengthen the security of supply to KZN, other South African provinces and to neighbouring countries,’ said Lukhele.

Food price hikes

DTIC has also been taking action to prevent inflated food prices as stores restock their shelves after the looting.

This is supported by the National Consumer Commission (NCC) which has sent a strong message warning suppliers not to inflate prices of essential items.

‘It is unreasonable and unfair for suppliers of goods to take advantage of this state of national disaster by unfairly increasing the prices of goods without any economic justification to do so,’ said Acting Consumer Commissioner Thezi Mabuza.

Mabuza said a supplier or person found to be hiking prices could be fined up to R1-million, or a fine of up to 10% of a firm’s annual turnover, or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 12 months.

‘Consumers are encouraged to monitor the market and report any suspicious unfair price increases of these goods and services,’ she said.

Economic recovery hotline
Contact centre number:
Toll free – 0800 006543
International – +27 (12) 3945560
24/7 email addresses – joc@thedtic.gov.za and ioc@thedtic.gov.za

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Posted by Veronica Silva Cusi, news correspondent
Source: https://zululandobserver.co.za

Date Posted: Thursday, August 5, 2021