Government has intensified efforts to strengthen consumer rights protection and improve service delivery following the commissioning of the new Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Headquarters and a fleet of inspectors’ vehicles in Harare yesterday.
The commissioning ceremony, officiated by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu, marks a significant step in enhancing the Commission’s operational capacity as part of Government’s broader Vision 2030 agenda.
“This is a clear demonstration of the Ministry’s unwavering commitment to strengthening institutional capacity towards attaining Vision 2030,” said Minister Ndlovu.
He said the Second Republic remained committed to empowering institutions that protect consumers as Zimbabwe continues to grow its economy and expand business opportunities.
Min Ndlovu said Government, with the support and approval of President Mnangagwa, had taken practical measures to capacitate the CPC through improved infrastructure and operational support.
“The protection of consumers’ rights remains a key national priority. These developments will improve accessibility and enable consumers to engage Government more efficiently whenever their rights are violated,” he said.
The Minister said the commissioning of inspectors’ vehicles would strengthen enforcement operations and consumer awareness campaigns in provinces.
He added that the CPC had successfully devolved into provinces in line with Government’s devolution agenda and the principle of leaving no one and no place behind.
“Our long-term vision is to establish offices at district level to ensure that every Zimbabwean has access to consumer protection services,” he said.
Min Ndlovu urged businesses to ensure products on the market are safe, compliant and properly labelled to protect consumers.
“As consumers become more informed about their rights, businesses must also play their role by ensuring that products are safe for consumption and clearly labelled so that consumers fully understand what they are purchasing and using,” he said.
The increased capacitation of the CPC is expected to improve the organization’s visibility and effectiveness as Government moves to strengthen consumer welfare and market confidence nationwide.
Industry stakeholders who attended the event welcomed the development, saying it would go a long way in improving consumer protection systems across the country.
The new infrastructure and operational support are expected to enhance the Commission’s ability to respond to consumer complaints, enforce compliance and promote fair trading practices across the country.
