THE government is set to introduce consumer rights education in schools through the national curriculum, aiming to ensure citizens understand their entitlements from an early age.
The move comes as the government rolls out the Consumer Protection Policy and strengthens the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) across all provinces, signalling a broader push to empower consumers, curb counterfeit products and make consumer rights the cornerstone of public awareness.
Ahead of belated World Consumer Rights Day commemorations in Masvingo, Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said the government would work with the Primary and Secondary Education ministry to develop a curriculum that taught students about consumer rights. World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated on March 15.
“We will start working with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to develop a curriculum so that students learn about these rights at school,”
Ndlovu said.
“They do not need to be attending these workshops. This has to be a right that is entrenched in the curriculum.”
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On product safety, Ndlovu said consumer protection started with manufacturers, who were legally obliged to ensure proper labelling and indication of expiry dates.
Retailers, in turn, have a responsibility to stock products only from registered manufacturers.
He warned against counterfeit products, describing counterfeiters as “free riders” who undermine genuine companies.
“When companies are investing in research and development, in product quality, they are registering with different quality standards to make sure that their products meet minimum standards,” Ndlovu said.
“Somebody will want to ride on the popularity of the product, on the investment that the manufacturer has made and simply come up with an imitation.
“This unfair competition over time will wear down the authentic company because it is facing unfair competition. Capacity utilisation comes down. But more importantly for us, these products will not be safe for consumers.”
Ndlovu urged consumers to exercise responsibility by checking products before purchase and helping to combat illicit trade.
He revealed that CPC is in all provinces and will receive vehicles by the end of the month to enhance its outreach programme.
Clarifying institutional roles, Ndlovu distinguished between CPC — a government body established under the 2019 Consumer Protection Act — and the Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ), which focuses on advocacy, arbitration and conciliation.
“The CCZ has been a voluntary organisation for more than 50 years, championing consumer rights,” he said, adding that with the CPC operational, the CCZ continues to play a vital role in arbitration and conciliation.