Is government legislation containing or enabling the township economy?

In recent times, the spotlight has been on spaza shops in South Africa, small retailers operating within communities. Tragically, some of these shops have been linked to food contamination incidents resulting in loss of lives. To address these concerns, the government has introduced additional regulations for spaza shops to comply with for their operations to continue. The focus now shifts to discussing how the government can better ensure consumer safety through legal means. CNBC Africa hosted a discussion with legal expert Khumisi Nganare and Queen Munayi, the CEO of the Consumer Goods and Services Ombudsman, shedding light on the crucial role of both consumers and retailers in upholding safety standards. Nganare stressed the importance of government intervention at the local level through bylaws tailored to address safety and health concerns. While the regulations are in place, effective implementation remains a challenge due to the shortage of health and safety practitioners. Queen Munayi emphasized the need for consumers to be aware of their rights under the Consumer Protection Act, especially when it comes to purchasing food. She urged consumers to look beyond prices and pay attention to factors like expiry dates and sanitary conditions when making purchases. In the absence of robust enforcement mechanisms, many consumers continue to be at risk of unknowingly purchasing unsafe products. Nganare acknowledged the gaps in enforcement and proposed the need for stronger accountability measures. He highlighted the roles of health inspectors and law enforcement in ensuring compliance with bylaws and called for greater transparency and penalties for non-compliance. The discussion also touched upon the vital role of education in empowering communities to make informed choices and hold businesses accountable for their practices. Munayi underscored the Ombudsman's efforts to educate consumers and provide free training to small businesses on adhering to industry codes and regulations. By partnering with regulatory bodies, small businesses can enhance their compliance and build trust with consumers. While the panelists acknowledged the challenges in holding the government accountable legally, they stressed the role of organized consumer groups and business chambers in advocating for consumer rights. While legal action against the government may be a lengthy and complex process, collaborative efforts between stakeholders could drive meaningful change and ensure the protection of consumers. Overall, the discussion highlighted the need for a holistic approach involving government, businesses, and consumers to create a safer and more transparent marketplace for all.