The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has noted the Public Protector’s Report on the dti and former National Consumer Commissioner matter.

The department will fully implement the recommendations of the findings of the report. This relates to explicitly setting out the relationship between the Executive Authority, the Director-General and the Commissioner.

Trade and Industry would like to clarify that this issue is not about personalities but about it exercising proper oversight over its agencies and ensuring good governance.

Trade and Industry Director-General Mr Lionel October, is of the view that the former Commissioner unilaterally changed employees terms and conditions of employment. As a result of this the former dti staff requested to return to the department and October acceded to this reasonable request from the employees.

The department is of the view that the matter is now closed.