PRESS STATEMENT ON PROVISION OF SERVICES AT THE COMPETITION AND TARIFF COMMISSION IN THE WAKE OF THE CORONAVIRUS(COVID -19)
On the 17th of March 2020, His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe – Comrade Emmerson Dambudzo Munangagwa declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national disaster, and further to that, on the 27th of March 2020 – announced the enforcement of a nationwide lockdown for 21 days, effective from midnight Sunday, the 29th of March 2020. Prevention is now the focus of all initiatives and efforts in the country.
The Competition and Tariff Commission is closely monitoring the coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak and its impact on business continuity in Zimbabwe. Given the nationwide lockdown, the Commission has taken the difficult decision to significantly scale down its operations, but prioritising all COVID-19 related matters. During this period, the Commission will only accept the following COVID-19 pandemic related cases:-
- trade tariff relief applications;
- merger and acquisitions transactions;
- authorisations; and
- abuses of dominance or such exploitative practices complaints.
Staff will therefore work from 1000 hours to 1300 hours at its Offices at number 23 Broadlands Road Emerald Hill, Harare, and will only attend to matters outlined above, until further notice. Stakeholders and affected businesses in the supply chain can report any concerns to the Commission through details available on its website www.competition.co.zw, or at director@competition.co.zw or on WhatsApp number 0715 905 651. The contact person is Mr. T. Zengeni who can be contacted at 0773 256 384 (WhatsApp and SMS) or immediately through e-mail at tzengeni@competition.co.zw.
Anti-competitive practices during the lock down period, such as tying and bundling, excessive pricing, conditional selling and any other practice that violates the Competition Act[Chapter 14:28] which exploit consumers are outright prohibited, unless with the express authorization of the Commission. The Commission therefore stands ready to guide companies on acceptable cooperation agreements during this coronavirus pandemic. In the interim, it would like to urge businesses to comply with the provisions of the Act, as non- compliance will lead to punitive penalties, once reported or comes to the attention of the Commission.
Please remember to wash your hands regularly with soap for a minimum of twenty seconds and please stay at home. On behalf of the entire Competition and Tariff Commission Team, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy three (3) weeks of lock down.
The Competition and Tariff Commission
23 Broadlands Road
Emerald Hill
Harare
WhatsApp: 0715 905 651