Govt plays hardball with SA retailers

Businesses such as general clothing are reserved for citizens
Businesses such as general clothing are reserved for citizens

Property company, PrimeTime Holdings is expecting profitability at its soon-to-be opened Pilane Mall in Mochudi to be dented following government’s refusal to climb down on its decision to deny some of the targeted tenants trading licences.

In a statement released this week, PrimeTime said about 30% of the targeted tenants, who are South African retailers, have not been able to secure exemptions to trade in businesses reserved for locals. According to the Trade Act of 2003 businesses such as auctioneers, car wash, cleaning services, curio shop, fresh produce, general clothing, general dealer and hairdresser are exclusively reserved for citizens.

However, many SA retailers have up to now been able to sell these goods after securing exemptions from the Minister of Trade and Industry. Although PrimeTime did not identify the affected South African retailers, an official at the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry told BusinessWeek that five household names that are in the clothing retail business have been affected.

Editor's Comment
UDC should deliver on promises

President Duma Boko and his government must now hit the ground running to deliver on their promises and meet the high expectations of Batswana. The UDC has pledged to foster a deliberative democracy, where open dialogue and continuous conversations are encouraged. This approach will allow different viewpoints to be heard and strengthen the ideas that shape our nation. The introduction of the long-awaited Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a...

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