By Ndinatsei Mavodza
MASVINGO – Masvingo has been identified as one of the provinces most exposed to
counterfeit and unsafe products due to its strategic location along the North-South trade
corridor.
Masvingo lies along the North-South trade corridor, a major route connecting South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The corridor is a key path for moving goods and boosting trade in the region, which also
makes the province an entry point for counterfeit and unsafe products.
Speaking during the World Consumer Rights Day commemorations held at Urban Lifestyles
Hotel on March 18, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra
Chadzamira said the province’s proximity to South Africa, one of Zimbabwe’s key trading
partners, makes it particularly vulnerable to the penetration of fake and substandard goods.
“The selection of Masvingo as a venue for this important event is no accident or coincidence.
Masvingo’s strategic location on the North-South corridor and proximity to South Africa, one
of our key trading partners guarantees a wider reach to a diverse audience. This is especially
critical in light of the prevalent risk of counterfeit products in the region,” said Chadzamira.
Chadzamira warned that the growing presence of counterfeit products poses a serious threat
to both consumers and local industries.
He added that counterfeit goods not only compromise consumer safety but also undermine
economic growth by weakening local industries and innovation.
“Counterfeit goods weaken local industries, stifle innovation and compromise the integrity of
our manufacturing sector,” said Chadzamira.
The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) chairperson Respina Zinyanduko also raised
concern over the situation in Masvingo, warning that the province remains vulnerable to
smuggling of unsafe products.
“Masvingo has not been spared from these business malpractices and is more prone to
smuggling of unsafe products from our neighbouring countries,” she said.
Zinyanduko added that the commission ws working with law enforcement agencies including
the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) to
curb the problem.
The World Consumer Rights Day commemorations ran under the theme “Safe products,
confident consumers,” with stakeholders calling for increased vigilance, stronger
enforcement and greater consumer awareness to combat the growing threat.
