African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has issued a strong warning against the growing trade in counterfeit goods across South Africa. Speaking at an event in Johannesburg, Mbalula reaffirmed the party’s commitment to tackling this illegal activity, which he described as a significant threat to the economy, local industries, and the livelihoods of citizens.
“We now know where these cheaper fake goods come from, and we are onto them. We are shutting down all of this illegality taking place,” Mbalula declared.
[WATCH] We now know where these cheaper fake goods come from, and we are onto them. We are shutting down all of this illegality taking place! #RamaphosaOurPresident pic.twitter.com/iaFcSC8frT
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 6, 2024
The Secretary-General accused syndicates behind the importation and distribution of counterfeit products of crippling South Africa’s manufacturing sector and exacerbating unemployment. He also raised concerns about the safety risks posed by fake products that fail to meet regulatory standards, endangering consumers.
Mbalula emphasized the ANC’s support for collaboration between law enforcement agencies, border control authorities, and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to curb the smuggling of counterfeit goods. He commended recent successes in raiding illegal warehouses and confiscating fake items in major cities, calling these actions “a step in the right direction.”
“We cannot allow the floodgates of illegality to destroy the future of South Africans. This is not just about fake goods; it’s about protecting the integrity of our economy,” Mbalula stressed.
The ANC’s efforts to crack down on counterfeit goods align with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s renewed focus on combating corruption and crime. Mbalula urged the public to report suspicious activities and actively join the fight against counterfeiting.
“This is a fight for the soul of our nation,” he concluded, pledging that tougher measures would soon be introduced to dismantle the illegal networks fueling the counterfeit trade.
