Nzenza Slams Retailers For 'Taking Advantage' Of Mealie Meal Shortages

The government has condemned some retailers for engaging in conditional selling of subsidised roller meal in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act.

Speaking during a business breakfast forum jointly organised by the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) and Associated Newspapers of Zimbabwe (ANZ), Industry and Commerce Minister Sekai Nzenza urged consumers to know their rights. She said:

The government recently introduced a subsidy for the consumers to access roller meal at an affordable price. The 10kg roller meal bag must cost $50, but most times people are forced to buy other items to purchase the bag of roller meal.

That is conditional selling and it is not correct. The Consumer Protection Act will address this illegal activity and ensure that consumers are aware of their rights and they get what they deserve.

Late last year, the government reversed a decision that had been made in November by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to scrap subsidies on maize.

The government then undertook to subsidy some grain millers which saw the price of roller meal being slashed to $50 per 10kg.

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