The KwaZulu-Natal has taken a firm stance against companies who have hiked prices during the Covid-19 outbreak – with grocery retailer, Spar in the firing line.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube said her department has begun negotiations with Spar KZN management, with the view of terminating the contracts of franchise owners who are involved in price hiking.
She added that Spar’s holding company has strict regulations that are aimed at ensuring Spar’s positive brand image
“It is for these reasons that we welcome the decisive action by the leadership of Spar in KwaZulu-Natal. The willingness to terminate the contracts of the management and control of Spar by franchise owners is a clear demonstration of patriotism. Undoubtedly, history will judge them positively,” Dube-Ncube said.
“We are calling upon other retailers to follow this example.”
The Competition Commission and the National Consumer Commission yesterday released the names of the companies which the regulators are investigating over allegations of excessive price hikes.
The companies are:
Silver Oaks SuperSpar – Silverlakes, Pretoria East (Gauteng);
Spar in Platterkloof – (Western Cape);
North Safety – Paarden Eiland, Western Cape;
Checkers Hyper –Kempton Park (Gauteng);
National Overalls – Villeria Pretoria (Gauteng);
Makro – Springfield, Durban (KZN);
Clicks – Westgate Mall (Gauteng);
Free State Pharmacy – Bloemfontein (Free State);
Mopane Pharmacy – Nelspruit (Mpumalanga);
Sea Side Pharmacy – Table View (Western Cape); and
Pick ‘n Pay in Milnerton – Milnerton (Western Cape).
