Chairperson, firstly, let me also add my voice to wishing the hon Minister from my constituency a happy birthday. Secondly, on behalf of the ANC, let me also congratulate Comrade Strachan, the silent giant of the Western Cape, on his appointment as an MEC. Lastly, hon Minister, DTI is one of the best departments when it comes to assisting. They even assist us with their officials when we go to brief our provinces. I would like to thank you for that, hon Minister.
Let me also add my voice, as other members have already done, and state that we salute women in general this month for the struggles they have led for centuries, more especially the women of Africa. Indeed, this debate takes place in this very important month such that when we talk of consumer protection, we should also talk of the protection of women - that is, protection of women against physical, emotional, spiritual, financial and consumer abuse. In this debate, I will deal with consumer protection institutions, the enforcement of the Act and general provisions.
Parliament has a responsibility to pass Acts which establish and provide for structures and institutions to promote and facilitate intergovernmental relations as provided for in the Constitution, hence this Consumer Protection Bill. Chapter 5 of this Bill establishes national consumer protection institutions and goes further to make provisions for national and provincial co-operation.
In addition, the Bill also provides for the provincial consumer protection authorities and their functions. For example, in the provinces, they can issue a compliance notice to any person carrying on business exclusively within that province. The Bill also establishes the National Consumer Commission. The Bill makes provision for the appointment of inspectors, as my colleagues have said, and investigators. However, the question is whether these inspectors and investigators have the capacity and the required training to do this job. Nevertheless, we do trust that they will need some time to do this job and to do training.
Chapter 6 speaks to issues of enforcement of the Act whilst Chapter 7 speaks to other Acts which will need amendment as a result of this Bill being promulgated. Chapter 6 provides for enforcement functions of the commission, compliance notices and objections to notices. The commission may issue summons to any person who has information concerning a subject matter. The Bill also allows for an authority to enter and search under a warrant. However, the Bill also states that any person who conducts an entry and search must, in bold letters, have strict regard for decency, order and serious regard for each person's right to dignity, freedom, security and privacy. As such, issues such as penalties, administrative fines and vicarious liabilities are provided for in the Bill.
Without wanting to repeat it, the ANC called for legislation to be rapidly developed to address consumer protection as stated clearly in its RDP document. Today, even though we might not have been rapid enough, we are doing it. We are passing this legislation. As usual, the private sector will oppose and fight this Bill. This will happen, firstly, because the Bill takes away their monopoly over the consumer, and secondly, because it protects the most vulnerable, which are the majority of Africans, blacks to be specific, and women, in particular, from unnecessary advertising and promotions. So, passing this legislation today and in this month really honours and recognises all women of South Africa.
The ANC supports the Bill. [Applause.]