NEWSFLASH FOR WEEK 1 (27 September – 01 October 2021)

COMPETITION

COMESA Competition Commission issues first merger-related fine

The regional competition authority for the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the COMESA Competition Commission (CCC), imposed its first merger-related fine on 3 September 2021. The fine was imposed in respect of the proposed acquisition by Helios Towers Limited (Helios Towers) of the shares in Madagascar Towers S.A. and Malawi Towers Limited, owing to the parties’ failure to notify the transaction within the prescribed time period.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Appletiser products have been recalled in South Africa – but Coca-Cola won’t say exactly why

Batches of Appletiser are being withdrawn from the shelves and fridges of South African retailers following a nationwide recall issued by Coca-Cola on Thursday. Quality testing revealed that the drinks were “outside of the acceptable standards” according to the manufacturer.

LABOUR

Rogue regulations will deepen the rot in Compensation Fund

The government has gone rogue. In gazetting draconian, irrational and unreasonable regulations pertaining to the Compensation Fund the day after parliament rose for recess, employment & labour minister Thulas Nxesi cynically abused his executive power to avoid oversight and evade public scrutiny. By so doing he has undermined core constitutional principles and legislative good practice.

PETROLEUM

Warning over new petrol and diesel rules for South Africa

South Africa’s petroleum refinery capacity could become obsolete within two years, the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) has warned.

In a statement, seen by Reuters, the industry body has called for the extension of new government rules meant to reduce sulphur emissions from 2023 to a later date.

The government gazetted new Petroleum Products Specifications and Standards in August that mandate the use of ultra-low sulphur petrol and diesel products.