Latest news with #vanHeerden
The Citizen
5 days ago
- The Citizen
Expert shares 7 safety rules every South African needs to know
While many crimes are opportunistic, some are not. Crime is everywhere, and no matter where you live, in South Africa or abroad, the same rules apply. It's better, as they say in Afrikaans, to be 'bang Jan' than 'dooie Jan.' Simply put, vigilance and situational awareness save lives and protect your possessions. Contact crimes are no longer simple drive-up-and-grab operations or hold-ups. In South Africa, crime has kept up with the times and technology. This means that staying safe now means thinking like a criminal before they think of you, said Gerrit van Heerden, general manager of the security company Community Monitoring Service, or CMS. From express kidnappings to surveillance and opportunistic follow-homes, and smart tech to outsmart your gadgets, it's all over the place. Van Heerden said that there are a few basic rules of thumb that South Africans can commit to memory to keep themselves safer. Switch off and listen up Two or three kilometres before home, kill the noise. Turn off your radio. Disconnect from your hands-free kit. Crack the window open just a bit. 'You will pick up more from your environment when you are not distracted by music or calls,' van Heerden said. Also Read: Man arrested for 2022 teen rape after chance discovery That moment waiting for your gate to open is prime hijacking time. 'People get hit there all the time. They did not hear the car behind them. They did not notice the person creeping up,' he said. Your gut is as useful as your rearview mirror 'We are born with instincts for a reason,' said van Heerden. 'If something feels off, trust it. Drive around the block. Call your security company. Do not second-guess yourself.' If something feels odd, do not ignore it. Break your patterns before criminals do it for you Most people run their lives like clockwork. Same route. At the same time. The same habits. And criminals take note of this. 'They will watch your house for days. They know your routine better than you do,' said van Heerden. If you are always predictable, you are always a target. Mix it up. Change your route. Change your schedule. Keep it public. Keep it visible Criminals do not like attention. 'If you are meeting someone or simply chatting on the side of the road or a parking lot, do it in a place with lights, cameras and people. Not in a dark street or a quiet area,' van Heerden said. And check your phone signal. 'No reception means no help when it counts.' Have Exit Strategies Think like a cop. Where do you run if something happens? Who do you call? How fast can you get to help? 'We teach families to run home drills to ensure that people know how to react in a crisis,' said van Heerden. 'Who presses the panic button? Then who calls the police? Who hides and where? Those seconds saved knowing what to do can save your life.' It does not have to be dramatic. It just has to be planned. Watch for repeat cars and tailing patterns If you have seen that silver sedan three times in one trip, you are not imagining it. 'One of the biggest risks is being followed home from a shopping centre or bank,' van Heerden said. Take note of number plates. Look at clothing. Keep your phone close. 'If you notice a car sticking to you for a few blocks, call someone. Take a detour. Do not drive straight home.' Criminals may be closer than you think While many crimes are opportunistic, some are not. 'Sometimes criminals get your information from someone you know, often without that person even realising it,' van Heerden said. A simple conversation at a braai, he said, can give away your routine, your car model, and the time you leave to fetch the kids. Be careful what you share and who is listening. 'Being situationally aware is not about living in fear,' noted van Heerden. 'It is about staying one step ahead. It is about being prepared. And if you are not, they already are.' Now Read: Gen Z is not okay, the internet is making it worse
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
Grocery Action Group hits out at supermarkets as Kiwis keep paying high prices for groceries
The commission's report found New Zealanders paid 3% more for their groceries in 2023 than the OECD average. 'That puts us in the top five most expensive in the OECD,' Chetwin said. But the report said 2023 prices were closer to the OECD average than previous years. Kiwi shoppers were paying 9% above the OECD average for groceries in 2022, and 14% more in 2021. However, prices for goods in the 'milk, cheese, eggs' and 'fruits, vegetables, potatoes' categories were significantly higher in New Zealand than the OECD average. The report said it was a concern 'that many of the goods in these two categories are produced and sold domestically'. New Zealanders spent more than $27 billion at supermarkets and grocery stores in the year to June 30, 2024, up 5.3% compared with the previous 12 months. Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden said change in an industry this large and entrenched will take time and a deliberate, co-ordinated effort. 'In 2024, retail grocery prices appeared to have stabilised after years of significant growth, which was reflected in a slowing of the major supermarkets' gross margin growth, however, grocery prices remain higher than the OECD average,' van Heerden said. 'Recent data shows retail prices increasing again in 2025 ... there is more work to be done to improve competition.' The report also found barriers to entry for new competitors remain, while the major supermarket chains (run by Foodstuffs and Woolworths) continue to wield their power over smaller suppliers. In addition, the report highlighted geographical inequities in the two major supermarket chains' dominance. In Auckland, the major supermarkets hold 71% of the market compared to 88% in the rest of New Zealand, the report said. 'Consumers in Auckland and other main cities have a range of options, but consumers in smaller towns and rural areas typically have minimal to no choice within their locality, with some stores in small towns functioning as a localised monopoly,' van Heerden said. Supermarkets respond Foodstuffs North Island CEO Chris Quin said the co-op was making solid progress across key areas of regulatory reform. 'We back the intent of the still relatively new regulatory framework to drive competition, efficiency and better outcomes for New Zealand consumers,' Quin said. 'We've taken that responsibility seriously from day one and have put in place a broad programme of work to meet our obligations and make the system work well for customers, suppliers and retailers alike. 'Much of this work has been under way for some time and it's being delivered alongside our day-to-day focus on serving millions of customers a week, investing in new stores and technology and keeping our supply chain efficient and resilient.' Quin welcomed the commission's findings that competition in the grocery sector is more developed in areas with higher population density. 'We're pleased the commission has recognised that competition is strongest where demand and population support it, and that concerns about land holdings are not borne out by the evidence,' he said. 'We're focused on opening new stores and providing new jobs in small, remote and growing communities where the need is clear.' Foodstuffs South Island chief executive Mary Devine said the co-op's focus remained delivering for customers in all corners of the South Island and building enduring and trusted supplier relationships. 'The South Island presents unique logistical challenges due to its low population density – approximately eight people per square kilometre. 'Yes, we have supermarkets in cities and major towns, but we also have 37 stores that serve communities of less than 5000 people [and] 56 that serve communities of under 10,000 people and that's a responsibility we take seriously.' The Annual Grocery Report said 90% of Kiwis are within a 10-minute drive from a major supermarkets. Woolworths has been approached for comment.
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Commerce Commission To File Proceedings Against Foodstuffs North Island And Gilmours, Alleging Cartel Conduct
The Commerce Commission will shortly file civil proceedings against Foodstuffs North Island Limited (FSNI) and Gilmours Wholesale Limited (Gilmours) for alleged cartel conduct (market allocation) in breach of the Commerce Act, and alleged breaches of the Grocery Industry Competition Act (GICA). The Commission investigated agreements that FSNI and Gilmours entered into with a national grocery supplier regarding the supply of products to a hospitality customer. The supplier and the customer both have considerable volumes of business with FSNI/Gilmours. When FSNI/Gilmours discovered the supplier and customer had established a direct trading relationship, they persuaded the supplier to re-route that business through them. Commerce Commission Chair, Dr John Small, says the Commission believes FSNI and Gilmours engaged in cartel conduct which is a breach of section 30 of the Commerce Act. 'We take allegations of cartel conduct very seriously. Cartel conduct harms consumers through higher prices or reduced quality, and it harms other businesses that are trying to compete fairly,' Dr Small says. 'In this instance, the supplier wanted to provide a competitive supply channel, but this was stopped by the agreement with FSNI and Gilmours. 'We do not tolerate this kind of behaviour and will not hesitate to take court action, where appropriate,' Dr Small says. The Commission is also filing proceedings against FSNI and Gilmours under GICA. The Commission believes FSNI and Gilmours obstructed the supplier's ability to sell groceries to the customer in question, and did not deal with the supplier in good faith. Grocery Commissioner, Pierre van Heerden, says this behaviour could be in breach of the Grocery Supply Code. 'The Grocery Supply Code was introduced to address the power imbalance between the major supermarkets and their suppliers,' Mr van Heerden says. 'The major supermarkets are the largest customers for most grocery suppliers. This creates a reluctance for suppliers to call out bad behaviour or push back on the supermarkets for fear of damaging relationships or losing access to supermarket shelves. 'The Commission is acutely aware of the risk suppliers may face coming forward and has ways to protect their identity and business. We have anonymous reporting tools for cartels and GICA and encourage anyone concerned to use these ways of contacting us,' Mr van Heerden says. As this matter will soon be before the Court, the Commission will not be providing further comment on the case at this time. Background Cartel conduct A cartel is where two or more businesses agree not to compete with each other. Cartel conduct can take many forms, including price fixing, allocating customers, rigging bids or restricting the output of goods and services. Because cartels can harm the interests of consumers - goods and services become more expensive, consumers end up with fewer choices, and quality and service levels are likely to deteriorate – tackling cartels is one of the Commission's key enforcement priorities. Grocery Supply Code New Zealand's mandatory Grocery Supply Code was introduced under the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023. The Supply Code was created to increase transparency and certainty for suppliers through a set of rules supermarkets need to follow when dealing with suppliers. Bringing increased certainty to agreements between supermarkets and suppliers is intended to give suppliers more confidence to innovate and invest in more choice for consumers.
1News
02-07-2025
- Business
- 1News
Foodstuffs North Island warned for 'likely' breach of supply code
Foodstuffs North Island has been issued a warning for treatment of a supplier that likely breached the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023. The Commerce Commission said it believed Foodstuffs North Island "likely breached a fundamental aspect of the Supply Code which is that retailers deal with suppliers in good faith at all times". The company responded to the commission's warning by stating it took its obligations to suppliers seriously and was committed to keeping fair and constructive relationships. New Zealand's mandatory Grocery Supply Code was introduced under the Grocery Industry Competition Act, created to increase transparency and certainty for suppliers through a set of rules supermarkets need to follow when dealing with suppliers. "Foodstuffs North Island appears to have obstructed and delayed a supplier request by acting in ways that we believe were uncooperative and unreasonable," said Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden. ADVERTISEMENT He was "concerned" this followed a pattern of behaviour that has been present in the industry for decades. "This behaviour has been enabled for so long, due to the significant power imbalance between the major supermarkets — who hold the vast majority of the market — and suppliers, who have limited bargaining power in comparison," he said. A category manager at Foodstuffs North Island — who acted as the main point of contact for the supplier — also came under investigation regarding their role in the matter. "Suppliers are reliant on their relationships with the retailers' commercial teams, so the staff in these roles within the supermarkets hold a lot of power. Any behaviour that weaponises this power imbalance is unacceptable," van Heerden said. "The major supermarkets have a responsibility to make sure their staff are properly trained. They need to make sure their staff follow the rules and deal with suppliers in good faith. "The changes we're proposing to the Supply Code are intended to provide more scrutiny to these relationships and clarity about what is acceptable behaviour." The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including Australia's weather bomb, the surprising costs of getting one more dog, and BTS are back. (Source: 1News) ADVERTISEMENT Van Heerden said the Commerce Commission had surveyed suppliers and was concerned with the responses. "Our supplier survey showed that 37% of suppliers reported their interactions with Foodstuffs North Island as negative or very negative. This is significantly higher than suppliers' ratings for Woolworths and Foodstuffs South Island, at approximately 20%." Van Heeden said the Commission was "focused on addressing this power imbalance and improving things for suppliers". "We really appreciate where suppliers have come forward to tell us about issues so we can take action – like in this case where we heard directly from the supplier involved." Foodstuffs North Island response A Foodstuffs North Island spokesperson told 1News the company took Grocery Supply Code obligations seriously, and was committed to "maintaining fair and constructive relationships with our suppliers". "Since the introduction of the code, we've implemented a comprehensive programme of training and support for our team, including dedicated intranet resources, regular drop-in sessions for commercial staff, and mandatory training modules. ADVERTISEMENT "We'll continue to work with the commission to ensure our people understand and uphold the standards expected," the spokesperson said.
Scoop
01-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Foodstuffs North Island Warned For Likely Breaking Grocery Competition Law
The Commerce Commission has issued a warning to Foodstuffs North Island (FSNI) for their treatment of a supplier that likely breached the Grocery Industry Competition Act 2023. 'We believe that Foodstuffs North Island likely breached a fundamental aspect of the Supply Code which is that retailers deal with suppliers in good faith at all times,' Grocery Commissioner Pierre van Heerden says. "I'm concerned that this follows a pattern of behaviour that has been present in the industry for decades. 'This behaviour has been enabled for so long due to the significant power imbalance between the major supermarkets, who hold the vast majority of the market, and suppliers, who have limited bargaining power in comparison. 'Foodstuffs North Island appears to have obstructed and delayed a supplier request by acting in ways that we believe were uncooperative and unreasonable. 'In this instance, based on the evidence we have, we decided a warning was the right response. However, if more examples come to light, we will not hesitate to take further action,' Mr van Heerden says. The Category Manager at FSNI, who acted as the main point of contact for the supplier, also came under investigation regarding their role in this matter. 'Suppliers are reliant on their relationships with the retailers' commercial teams, so the staff in these roles within the supermarkets hold a lot of power. Any behaviour that weaponises this power imbalance is unacceptable,' Mr van Heerden says. 'The major supermarkets have a responsibility to make sure their staff are properly trained. They need to make sure their staff follow the rules and deal with suppliers in good faith. 'The changes we're proposing to the Supply Code are intended to provide more scrutiny to these relationships and clarity about what is acceptable behaviour. 'Our supplier survey showed that 37% of suppliers reported their interactions with Foodstuffs North Island as negative or very negative. This is significantly higher than suppliers' ratings for Woolworths and Foodstuffs South Island, at approximately 20%. 'We're focused on addressing this power imbalance and improving things for suppliers. We really appreciate where suppliers have come forward to tell us about issues so we can take action – like in this case where we heard directly from the supplier involved,' Mr van Heerden says. Only a Court can determine if there has been a breach of the Act. Background The warning letter can be found on the Commission's website. New Zealand's mandatory Grocery Supply Code was introduced under the Grocery Industry Competition Act. The Code was created to increase transparency and certainty for suppliers through a set of rules supermarkets need to follow when dealing with suppliers. Bringing increased certainty to agreements between supermarkets and suppliers would give suppliers more confidence to innovate and invest in more choice for consumers. The maximum penalty for breaches of the Supply Code for an individual is $200,000, or in any other case the greater of $3 million, and the value of any commercial gain; or if that can't be ascertained 3% of the company turnover.
