24 Aug 2017

Ministry of Trade and Industry, through the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is mandated to safeguard the interests of consumers by investigating, prohibiting and controlling unfair business practices and disseminating relevant information.

Serowe Administration Authority (SAA) Sub-council chairperson, Mr Mpho Kooreme said during the ongoing SAA meeting that in the last quarter they attained 69.27 per cent level compliance for 294 businesses inspected during routine and joint inspection.

Mr Kooreme said some businesses still failed to comply to set trading standards, especially with regard to tainted goods.

He noted that businesses found not complying were charged and educated.

On other issues, Mr Kooreme noted that all the 29 VDCs within SAA including Serowe umbrella VDC were functional and within term of office except Tshimoyapula VDC, which was supposed to be elected on May 17.

He said community members had suggested that election be held after the release of the audit report, which was still pending.

However, Mr Kooreme said they were faced with challenges of resolving issues of misappropriation of funds, lack of team spirit and misconduct by some VDC members, which resulted in some being expelled.

He said such challenges persisted despite being orientated at the start of every term.

Mr Kooreme urged councillors to encourage VDCs to respect the office they held. ENDS