NATIONAL NEWS - A webinar on pricing regulations and other related matters on prices on Wednesday 7 July at 14:00 is aimed at educating consumers about price regulations, price hikes and price controls.
An outline of the regulations that businesses must comply with during the Covid-19 pandemic will also be given.
Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina said the dialogue comes at a point where some retailers are selling goods at inflated rates. "With the high unemployment rate, this means that most consumers are no longer able to afford essential goods, especially those with inflated prices."
The webinar i hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in conjunction with its agencies, the Competition Commission, National Consumer Commission, Consumer Goods and Services Ombud, and Proudly South African.
"The dialogue will assist consumers with steps and processes to follow in reporting unfair pricing of goods and services including price collusions or unfair increase of prices, and regulations with which businesses must comply with during the Covid-19 pandemic," said Gina.
She said such behaviour can only be stopped when they are reported.
“The anti-competitive behaviour by businesses might be one of the causes driving price hikes. The Covid-19 pandemic may have also contributed to how businesses are behaving in response to the pandemic, which in turn is affecting consumers in a negative way. It is therefore importatnt for consumers to know their rights and understand steps to take were they suspect unfair practices by businesses."
A panel discussion will be included from panelists representing the Competition Commission (CompCom), National Consumer Commission (NCC), Consumer Goods and Services Ombuds (CGSO) and the Centre of Competition Law and Economics of the Stellenbosch University.
The panelists will unpack decisions considered when considering pricing and how price is regulated in South Africa as well as pricing control processes.
Visit the Proudly SA Facebook account @proudlySA or Youtube @proudlySACampaign to join the webinar.
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