Competition Authority this week held its second stakeholders’ workshop in Francistown for the northern region business community.

PLEASED: Mashiakgomo

After a day’s deliberations which were held under the theme “creating wealth through fair competition”, delegates expressed their expectations of the Competition Authority.
Prominent business consultant Sam Masunga had this to say: “I am happy with what they have done so far and what they are still to embark on. I hope with time they will break down the cartels. The issue of
monopolies is a great concern particularly in parastatals. However I am disappointed because the Competition Act, does not allow the Authority to regulate parastatals.

Happy Mashiakgomo, the secretary of Tonota South constituency office “said he was also happy that such an authority had been established.
“I expect them to level the playing field for all business people. Competition Authority should not to be just another big name, but be seen to deliver. Batswana anticipate that the authority will take up issues and investigate them, not to be secretive. We want them to bring cases out
in the open.”
BOCCIM Northern Region Manager Letuce Chinyepi said like many people he is also concerned about retail chain supermarkets and stores, which are into everything.
“I expect Competition Authority to put in place a policy which will prevent chain stores from producing for themselves. This will enable young upcoming farmers to supply these supermarkets. Chain stores should concentrate on their core business, and make room for aspiring and small producers to do business, make profit and a living for
themselves.”
Meanwhile Competition Authority chief executive officer, Thula Kaira said that the Competition Act does not give powers to the Authority to unilaterally break up a monopoly or dominant firms without the concerned firm having committed an offence stated under the Act.

Happy Mashiakgomo