Picture: North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi cracking down on illegal businesses/Supplied
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, Virginia Tlhapi said, the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) is responding well to a clarion call to crack down on business non-compliance. Tlhapi said in an unwavering display of commitment to business compliance and the safety of consumers, they led an extensive business compliance inspection in Phaposane and Gamanyai villages, near Ganyesa on Friday.
“This operation is a cornerstone of the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme – Thuntsha Lerole and it reinforces the provincial government’s unwavering dedication to ensure businesses adhere to South Africa’s stringent regulations. So, the aim is to deliver a firm message that compliance is non-negotiable.
“During the inspection, the vigilant team uncovered startling business practices across 13 tuckshops from vendors sleeping on the job to poor hygiene standards, non-compliance with price displays, the sale of expired and improperly labelled goods as well as selling of unverified products,” she said.
Tlhapi further said the Municipal Health Inspectors (MHIs) upholding the highest regulatory standards, condemned non-compliant products valued at R20 000. She added that, two tuck shops faced temporary closure until they met the compliance requirements outlined in the Foodstuffs Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act.
“Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs (Immigration unit) apprehended nine foreign nationals with expired passports or lacking essential asylum and refugee documents. The North West Gambling Board (NWGB) also seized two illegal Bingo Merry Roulette gambling machines during this operation.
“They sent a stern warning against underage gambling. The enforcement inspection also extended to liquor outlets, where a striking 6 out of 7 outlets were found in breach of the Liquor Act 27 of 1989. These outlets were in violation of various sections, including the unlawful rental of licenses,” said Tlhapi.
She said, there was a failure to keep a license in the outlet licensed premises, and also to maintain bona fide restaurants as per the condition of the license. Tlhapi said the team issued fines amounting to R10500 to all non-compliant liquor outlets.
“The Thuntsha Lerole Programme goes beyond regulatory enforcement, exemplified by the donation of wheelie bins, indigenous and fruit trees to the Phaposane clinic and Kegakilwe Primary School in Tlaakgameng.
“This initiative promotes waste management and environmental sustainability, aligning with the government’s ambitious target to plant 10 million trees over the next five years,” she said.
According to Tlhapi, officials from the department’s Business Regulation unit leveraged the Thuntsha Lerole platform to conduct a workshop with local business owners around Tlakgameng village. She said the workshop elucidated the department’s role in regulating businesses and issuing licenses under the new North West Business Licensing Act No. 3 of 2019.
“The act mandates licensing for businesses selling consumables, beauty, lifestyle products, services, and entertainment services. As a testament to fostering local employment, the department awarded job contracts to nine Data Capturers from Kudunkgwane and Tlakgameng villages.
“These young individuals will assist the department in registering and verifying businesses operating within Kagisano Molopo for inclusion in the provincial business licensing database,” she said.
Tlhapi said her department strongly encourages the local business owners to collaborate with these Data Capturers to ensure full compliance with the North West Business Licensing Act and other relevant legislation.
She said the comprehensive operation highlights the unwavering commitment of the government to safeguard South African businesses and consumers, reinforcing the importance of compliance and accountability.
The Guardian 