New fair trading body explains its role
22.01.2010
The new Fair Trading Commission is launching a campaign to explain how it will carry out its work, its director of communications Luciana Lagrenade has said.
She also outlined the steps through which a complaint about trading practices can be lodged.
Mrs Lagrenade said once the Fair Competition Act comes into effect in April, the commission will have the power to access documents and information on computers, and will also be able to search premises and seize items after getting a warrant to do so from a magistrate.
“The commission will administer oaths, conduct hearings, impose fines and jail sentences. Its officials will also be able to inspect goods, for example at the port on arrival in the country,” she said.
Mrs Lagrenade said the commission will also have powers to summon people, fining those who do not respond up to R100,000.
Consumers or firms with complaints will need to lodge them in a register being kept at the commission’s offices, which are at the moment in Aarti Chambers, Mont Fleuri, but due to move to Orion Mall in March.
“No anonymous complaints will be entertained, and neither can one just telephone,” she said.
“The person will need to write down their name and contact details, including email address where necessary, and the nature of their complaint.”
This information will be analysed and a decision taken on whether to start an investigation or not.
Mrs Lagrenade said the commission is a body corporate and can itself be taken to court.
The commission is headed by Dr Shelton Jolicoeur as chairman. Its other members are Dolly Tirant, Annie Vidot, Jenna Thelermont and Philippe Chong-Seng. The commission’s chief executive, Daniel Gappy, is an ex-officio member and Mrs Lagrenade is its secretary.