A further question I posed to the DTI was in relation to
their checking imports. It is all very well to check merchandise entering South Africa via its different points of entry but I wanted to know if DTI and SARS would
be doing random checks at shopping malls, on the streets etc for non-compliance
of the Act. I think there is a great employment opportunity to create a
fashion police taskforce to do in-situ checks at various retail
outlets. Initial thoughts relating to this idea is to train in each Province
individuals in the details about the act, what to look for as well as a
historical analysis of the local industry. This fashion taskforce can be
equipped with identification that can be verified. Such a taskforce would need
to be equipped with systems to document any infringements. Such an operation
to work effectively would need to be backed by a competent contingent of
project leaders with an effective and efficient partnership between DTI, SARS,
the South African Police Services (SAPS), the Justice Department, as well as
with labour and Apparel Industry Bodies.
I expect to be criticized for wanting to implement further
barriers by suggesting that checks are made at various retail outlets for South
African fashion designers who are already finding it difficult to create and
sustain market share while competing with cheaper imports.
It is imperative that the South African fashion sector
mobilizes to lobby government to ensure that the regulations are enforced.
Enforcement of the Act will "put a lid on corruption and fraud such as
transhipment and country of origin swapping" or
"to deal with illegal imports."Such illegal activity is cutting away at the local market for South African
designers. Furthermore, the enforcement of the Act will provide consumers with
the satisfaction that when they buy a garment that has a "Made in South
Africa" label they will know for certain (I hope) that the entire product
(barring maybe the usage of imported textiles) has been made in South Africa.
The one person from DTI
who did respond to a question I posed directly to her was Ms. Bulelwa Hewu, the
Assistant Director at the Office of Consumer Protection who said that it would
be difficult for consumers to verify if the goods "are really made in South Africa." If this is the case, then what must consumers do if they are in doubt
about the authenticity of "Made in South Africa" apparel? Do
consumers have the right to ask retailers to verify the products or must they
contact the DTI if they are in doubt?
The purpose of the Act
if mechanisms are put in place to verify "Made in South Africa"
labels is intended to empower the consumers knowing that by purchasing such
products with the "Made in South Africa" label they will be supporting
the entire local apparel value-chain. For the fashion sector the Act can be a
catalyst for bring the manufacturing sector and designers together creating
business opportunities to produce more "Made in South Africa"
designer clothing.
I am also waiting for a
reply from Proudly South Africa. I asked them if they would initiate any
consumer, educational drive around the Act as this is an ideal opportunity to
not only mobilise our consumers to supporting "Made in South Africa"
products but to educate the affected industries about the Act and their
obligations, although after one year everyone in these industry sectors should
by now be applying the label regulations to their products.
Not only is such an
educational campaign important for consumer knowledge and rights it is equally
important for importers who have to meet tight delivery times to educate their
customers that orders may and can be delayed if consignments are stopped and
checked and any penalties for late delivery will need to be wavered.
Written by Renato
Palmi The ReDress Consultancy-South Africa
@ May 2008-05-13
Web: http://www.redressconsultancy.blogspot.com/
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