Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT is intensifying efforts to protect consumers from counterfeit and unsafe products by strengthening policy implementation and enhancing market surveillance systems.
Government officials and key stakeholders gathered in Masvingo this Wednesday for belated World Consumer Rights Day commemorations, with a strong focus on improving consumer protection. Key issues discussed included the rise in substandard goods, unsafe imports, and unfair trade practices.
“We are happy that the government set up a commission that represents the rights of consumers. Many times our people are subjected to counterfeit and unsafe products, and today we were taught that we can report such malpractice as they expose us to health hazards,” Chief Neromwe said.
“We call upon the Government through the commission and other stakeholders to intensify searches on our border posts, food outlets and tuckshops so that we reduce the importation of unsafe products,” Mr Hebert Mutembwa said.
“The most important issue we have learn today is that we have got a right to report as consumers when we are not satisfied with the products we have bought. Now we know what to do and where to report, and I am sure that stance will reduce counterfeit products in our market,” a resident said.
The Consumer Protection Commission said it will continue focusing on enforcing laws that protect consumers.
“In 2025 alone, the Commission prosecuted 2 271 businesses for various offences, including the sale of expired, counterfeit, substandard and unsafe products. In 2026, a total of 634 business entities have already been prosecuted for similar offences. Masvingo has not been spared from these business malpractices and is more prone to the smuggling of unsafe products from our neighbouring countries.
“The Commission is working tirelessly with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Zimbabwe Republic Police, ZIMRA, and the Trade Measures Department. and the Regulatory Authorities, among others, to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to book and made to account for their actions under the umbrella of the Cabinet Taskforce on Business Malpractices and Anti-smuggling,” Consumer Protection Commission Chairperson, Ms Respina Zinyanduko said.
Guest of Honour at the event and Minister of Industry and Commerce, Honourable Mangaliso Ndlovu, indicated that efforts are underway to strengthen consumer protection frameworks, sentiments supported by the Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution.
“Government recently approved the Consumer Protection policy, which is aimed at safeguarding consumer rights in an increasingly complex and dynamic marketplace. This is Zimbabwe’s first-ever policy on consumer protection, which underlines President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s strong commitment to consumer protection,” he said.
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, said consumer confidence was central to economic development.
“In an era of rapid industrial growth and digital trade, the safety of a product is the minimum standard we expect, yet it remains a goal we must fiercely defend. Here in Masvingo, we believe that a “Confident Consumer” is the greatest engine for economic growth. When a Zimbabwean walks into a shop in the City of Masvingo, Chiredzi, Gutu, Bikita, Zaka, Chivi and Mwenezi, they should do so with the absolute certainty that what they buy will not harm them and that their rights are shielded by the laws of this land.”
As discussions continue, the spotlight remains on building a fair, transparent and accountable marketplace that protects consumers and supports sustainable economic growth.
