19 Apr 2013

The assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Keletso Rakhudu has told parliament that he is aware of some reported cases alleging unfair practices by some large scale chain store supermarkets.

Millers Association, he said, has lodged some complaints with the Competition Authority, which are still being investigated.

Mr Rakhudu indicated that the value chain unfair practice related complaints so far received by the Competition Authority fall under agriculture, health sector, retail and wholesale sector, automobile and the mining sector.

He said these complaints are brought about by predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, bid rigging, market allocation, price fixing and unreasonable prices.

MP for Shoshong Mr Dikgang Makgalemele had asked him if he is aware of unfair value chain practices by large scale chain store supermarkets in Botswana, especially on agricultural related products to a point that local millers made a presentation to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee in 2012, whose responsibility include agriculture.

He further asked him to state the different kinds of value chain unfair practices reported to the Competition Authority and how he has resolved concerns raised. ENDS