Patel trims list of clothing that may be sold under level 4

PRETORIA – Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has drawn more criticism after he narrowly defined the categories of winter clothes, shoes and homeware that may be sold during level 4 of the national lockdown.

The regulations gazetted by Patel limit the footwear that stores are permitted to sell to “closed toe” shoes, trainers and slippers.

They furthermore specify that the sale of cropped pants is allowed, but only if these items are meant to be worn with winter shoes and hose.

“The publication of these directions results from Minister Patel’s consultative meeting with industry leaders in the clothing, textile, footwear and leather sector held last Tuesday. All members of the industry master plan adopted it in November last year,” said the Department of Trade and Industry. 

The department said the retail industry had requested that Patel gazette a list to spell out which items were allowed, and it was compiled with input from industry stakeholders.

Source: iol.co.za