The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

“The Freedom Front Plus is shocked about the manner in which the Consumer Commissioner, Ms. Mamodupi Mohlala-Mulaudzi, is being intimidated to vacate her position. According to media reports, her position has already been advertised in a Sunday newspaper. In the light of this step taken by the department of Trade and Industry, the FF Plus supports her attempts to obtain relief from the high court,” Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson on Trade and Industry said.

“It appears that the director general of Trade and Industry, Mr. Lionel October, has made himself guilty of unfair labour practices by not adhering to the terms of the contract between the Consumer Commissioner and his department. In terms of the contract the Commissioner has the option to stay on longer in her position following the expiration of her contract. By placing the advertisement, the department has revealed its intention to replace Ms. Mohlala-Malaudzi. This action is proof that the state does not follow or implement its own labour laws,” Adv. Alberts added.

The FF Plus is of the opinion that Ms. Mohlala-Malaudzi has been removed from her post precisely because she does not back down when people use their power to intimidate others. She acts impartially to the advantage of the public and this irritates the government. Despite the fact that the ANC was in favour of the establishment of the Consumer Commission, the government had from the start undermined the authority of the Consumer Commissioner by especially under-funding the Commission.

The party will therefore on 16 May, during the weekly meeting of the Trade and Industry portfolio committee in Parliament address the issue and request that the director general urgently be called before the committee to come and explain the situation.