North West Economic Development MEC Virginia Tlhapi and Acting Premier Dumile Nono Maloyi conducted a comprehensive business compliance inspection in Phaposane and Gamanyai villages in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality, demonstrating their commitment to consumer safety.
The provincial government's Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole, emphasises the importance of businesses adhering to South Africa's strict regulations, emphasising non-negotiable compliance. A team of vigilant inspectors discovered suspicious practices in 13 tuckshops, including poor hygiene, price displays, expired goods and unverified products.
Municipal Health Inspectors condemned non-compliant products worth R20 000. They ordered two shops to temporarily close until they met compliance requirements in the Foodstuffs Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act and Municipal By-laws. The Department of Home Affairs Immigration Unit apprehended nine foreign nationals with expired passports or lacking asylum documents.
The North West Gambling Board seized two illegal Bingo Merry Roulette machines, promoting anti-underage gambling. The enforcement inspection revealed that six out of seven liquor outlets were in breach of the Liquor Act 27 of 1989, including unlawful license rental, failure to maintain a license in licensed premises, and maintaining bona fide restaurants.
The team imposed fines of R10 500 for non-compliant liquor outlets. The Thuntsha Lerole Programme, a government initiative, goes beyond regulatory enforcement by donating wheelie bins and indigenous and fruit trees to schools in Tlaakgameng, promoting waste management and environmental sustainability, and aligning with the government's goal of planting 10 million trees.
The department's Business Regulation unit conducted a workshop with local business owners in Tlaakgameng Village, highlighting the department's role in regulating businesses and issuing licenses under the North West Business Licensing Act No. 3 of 2019, which mandates licensing for businesses selling consumables, beauty, lifestyle products, services, and entertainment.
The department has awarded job contracts to nine Data Capturers from Kudunkgwane and Tlaakgameng Villages to assist in registering and verifying businesses in Kagisano Molopo for inclusion in the provincial business licensing database. The department encourages local business owners to collaborate with these individuals to ensure compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) Spokesperson Jeremiah Matebesi explained how local business owners can collaborate with Data captures to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, especially in the North West Business Licensing Act “They must work with data captures hired by the department and provide all the information required.”
The North West government is committed to protecting South African businesses and consumers, emphasising compliance and accountability in the business sector. This operation is crucial for ensuring consumer safety and promoting responsible business practices in the region.
