Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry visits the Competition Authority

The new Assistant Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Sadique Kebonang,  visited the offices of the Competition Authority and Competition Commission today (November 26^th), and met with staff as part of his consultation and familiarisation tour of Departments and Parastatals under the Ministry.  

In his address to staff, Hon. Kebonang announced that all parastatals under the Ministry fall under his portfolio, and he will be the link and close the gap between Government and parastatals. “I will deal with all issues regarding restricting, appointment of boards and CEOs” he said.

Hon. Kebonang said he will oversee the separation of the Competition Commission and the Competition Authority as well as the transfer of the Consumer Affairs function from the Ministry to the Authority, and as a result there will be some restructuring.

The Minister said the role of his Ministry is to grow the economy and therefore all bottlenecks that impede business will have to be removed. “when we have to intervene we will do so, and when we don’t have to intervene we will do so” he said.

He announced that he met with the business community and they raised some concerns which will be shared in due course. The Minister assured the CA that it will get whatever assistance it needs from his office.

Earlier, when welcoming the Minister, the CEO Mr. Thula Kaira said the CA will deliver on its objectives. He said although the CA is operationally independent it will account to Government. Mr. Kaira thanked Hon. Kebonang for finding time in his busy schedule to meet and greet CA staff.