By Flata Kavinga
The Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ) has raised alarm over the growing proliferation of counterfeit and substandard goods, warning that they pose a serious threat to public health, safety, and the economy.
Speaking during a press conference held in Kwekwe, CCZ Chief Executive Officer Rosemary Mpofu said the influx of fake products was now widespread across several sectors, including groceries, personal care products, beverages, clothing, solar equipment, and even medicines.
“Substandard and counterfeit consumer products present a serious and direct threat to public health and safety. They erode government revenue, weaken public trust in markets, and disadvantage legitimate businesses,” Mpofu said.
She noted that the CCZ continued to receive an increasing number of reports from its provincial offices, highlighting how counterfeit goods have penetrated both formal and informal markets. Mpofu attributed the worsening situation to the mushrooming of the informal sector, where fake goods are easily accessible to unsuspecting consumers.
To curb the spread of counterfeits, the CCZ is preparing to launch a National Awareness Campaign on Anti-Counterfeits, which aims to educate the public about the dangers of buying fake products and help consumers identify genuine items through digital verification tools.
“We have begun investing in digital verification systems and intensifying public education initiatives to help consumers and manufacturers identify fake products,” she said. “The challenge demands collaboration between governments, regulators, and consumer organizations to reduce consumer harm and dismantle counterfeit supply chains.”
Mpofu emphasized the need for stronger penalties for offenders, saying punitive measures alone were not enough. She called for deterrent initiatives, including community-based or social sentences, for those found complicit in the manufacture, distribution, or sale of counterfeit goods.
She also appealed to the media to play an active role in raising awareness and educating the public on the dangers and economic impact of counterfeit products.
“The media, often referred to as the fourth estate, are indispensable partners in this fight. Your capacity to reach the public makes you vital in raising awareness and disseminating accurate information,” she said.
Mpofu added that the CCZ’s upcoming awareness campaign would also engage business players, enforcement agencies, and regional partners to promote consumer safety and protect Zimbabwe’s markets from counterfeit infiltration.
