Competition Commission
The Competition Commission is a statutory body responsible for investigating, controlling and evaluating restrictive business practices, abuse of dominant positions and mergers in order to promote and maintain competition in a national economy. In South Africa, the Competition Commission operates under the Competition Act of 1998 and works to ensure that markets function competitively and that consumers benefit from fair pricing and choice. The Commission has the authority to investigate complaints, conduct market inquiries and refer cases to the Competition Tribunal for adjudication. It examines proposed mergers and acquisitions to assess whether they would substantially prevent or lessen competition, and can recommend conditions or prohibitions. The body also investigates cartel conduct, price fixing, market division and other anticompetitive practices. The Commission works alongside the Competition Tribunal, which adjudicates cases, and the Competition Appeal Court, which hears appeals. It plays a central role in South Africa's competition policy framework, balancing the need for economic growth with the protection of competitive markets. The Commission's decisions can significantly affect corporate transactions, market structure and business conduct across all sectors of the economy. Since its establishment, the Competition Commission has investigated thousands of mergers and numerous cartel and abuse-of-dominance cases, shaping the competitive landscape of the South African economy.
Competition Commission Updates
AfriForum calls on government to crack down on crime in the number plate industry
21st July 2026 AfriForum is calling on the relevant government departments to crack down on the large-scale crime exposed within the number plate industry. This... →
Commission recommends Tribunal approve Bidco’s acquisition of Balwin
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 14th July 2026 The Competition Commission has recommended to the Competition Tribunal that it approve the proposed transaction whereby Bidco intends to acquire... →
Franchisors Beware! The Competition Commission may come knocking soon
1st July 2026 The franchising industry has long been a bone of contention at antitrust authorities worldwide. Franchisees often complain to competition... →
AfriForum welcomes decision to put Gauteng number plate project on hold
1st July 2026 AfriForum welcomes the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s decision to put the province’s new number plate system on hold. This plan would... →
Merger condition compliance: Proposed Rule 39 amendment brings improvements to process but shifts the burden of proof to merged entities
4th June 2026 Key implications of the proposed amendment to the procedure that will be followed by the Competition Commission when firms subject to merger... →
How the Competition Commission’s ESOP impact study may shape future mergers
4th June 2026 South African companies often introduce Employee Share Ownership Plans (“ESOPs“) for a variety of reasons. Through an ESOP, workers acquire shares... →
DA tackles illegal number plates, calling for Creecy, Tau and Cachalia to act
1st June 2026 The DA has written to Ministers Tau, Creecy and Acting Minister Cachalia to urgently establish an inter-ministerial task team to deal with a... →
AfriForum warns Department against continuation of Gauteng number plate project
25th May 2026 AfriForum’s attorneys today sent a letter of demand to the Gauteng Department of Transport and the office of the Premier, Panyaza Lesufi, demanding... →
South Africa: Merger notification thresholds and filing fees increase from 1 May 2026
12th May 2026 South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition has, in a notice, published revised merger notification thresholds and filing fees under... →
BLSA CEO calls for economic impact assessment of draft procurement regulations
By: Tasneem Bulbulia 11th May 2026 The draft procurement regulations published in April propose extensive set-asides for 100%-black-owned businesses; however, National Treasury has... →
