You can get a lot of cheap and very nasty stuff for R174-million. That's the value of the non-compliant, dangerous goods that the National Regulator of Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) has confiscated, mostly from Durban's port, this year.
A massive collection of dangerous paraffin stoves, plugs and lightbulbs, toxic brake-pads, useless life vests and dodgy hot plates, hair curlers, crash helmets, baby car seats and cigarette lighters was laid out last week in preparation for the arrival of Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies at the Durban site of a private disposal company.
It had the vibe of a bargain warehouse - until Davies began loading the stuff into a crusher.
NRCS officials said the piles of goods on display amounted to less than 1% of the confiscated stock that will be destroyed in the coming weeks, and much of the resultant crush will be recycled.
The goods were destined for sale not only at traffic intersections - beware that cheap phone charger - but in formal stores, too.
An inspector said that two containers of fire-hazard Christmas lights, destined for branches of an unnamed "major retailer", were recently confiscated.
Don't look for the lowest price, Davies advised consumers. "Look for the SABS mark."
GET IN TOUCH: You can contact Wendy Knowler via email: consumer@knowler.co.za or on Twitter: @wendyknowler. She's In Your Corner for consumer issues.
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