BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Government has ordered in no uncertain terms that traders who unjustifiably increase prices of any products should be reported.
This was said by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mancoba Khumalo, when he launched the Tinkhundla Consumer Awareness Campaign today at Hilton Garden Inn. The campaign is aimed at educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities. The responsibilities are to help the consumers know what they are supposed to do in order to enjoy their rights.
The Minister called on consumers to report any price increases that are not justified by market forces. The campaign was proposed by the Eswatini Competition Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman of Financial Services.
In light of the concerns raised by Emaswati on the increasing cost of food and services raised during the Sibaya, the minister urged businesses in Eswatini to refrain from unjustified price increases. The minister assured the public that the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, in partnership with the Eswatini Competition Commission, would do everything within its power to hold businesses accountable for any unjustified price increases, in accordance with the law.
“His Majesty has given the current government an operational tagline of “NKWE” and collaborative synergies between regulators such as we witness in this case are in line with the slogan” said minister Khumalo.
The minister noted that the collaboration between the various organisations would not only maximise the use of human resources, but would also save time and money for both the parastatals involved.
He expressed hope that other parastatals in Eswatini would follow this example and work together to deliver seamless and cohesive services to the people of Eswatini across all four regions.
He further stated that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) played a vital role in driving economic growth in emerging markets across the globe, promoting development, innovation, and competitiveness. According to the World Bank, SMEs generate seven out of 10 jobs and contribute up to 40 percent of national income in these markets.
The Minister emphasised that it is crucial for SMEs to adapt and overcome the challenges presented by globalisation, the economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions caused by global conflicts, and climate change. The significance of SMEs in creating employment opportunities
