The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Ebrahim Patel, is abusing the powers delegated to him during the lockdown period to enforce socialist measures on South African trade.
The Minister's new regulations that were announced in the Government Gazette on Tuesday evening stipulate in detail what winter wear and winter-related items may be sold. These selective measures come down to micromanaging, which will inevitably damage the already struggling economy. The FF Plus will not just leave the matter at that and is considering taking appropriate steps. The regulations issued in terms of the National Disaster Management Act must aim to address the state of disaster and in this case, that is curbing the spread of the virus. The regulations issued by the Department of Trade and Industry are, however, not in line with that aim and are, therefore, irrational. All businesses must be allowed to trade on condition that they have the relevant health and safety measures in place to curb the spread of the virus.
Comments