By Thembi Moyo
South Africa is escalating its fight against the booming illicit and counterfeit economy with the launch of a series of coordinated, multi-industry Illicit Economy Task Forces. The initiative, led by the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA) and supported by nearly 20 industry associations, aims to dismantle the criminal networks that are costing the country billions, endangering consumers, and crippling legitimate businesses.
Speaking at the launch in Johannesburg, CGCSA CEO Zinhle Tyikwe said illicit trade has become one of the country’s most severe threats, cutting across every sector and damaging economic stability, investment, job creation, and national security. She emphasised that the problem is not confined to one industry, noting that whether in food, toys, tobacco, clothing, dairy or alcohol, the impact is real, severe and growing. Tyikwe said the day marked an important moment because industry needed one voice, one coordinated response and one national message.
Illicit trade in South Africa, spanning fake liquor, tobacco, food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, clothing, toys and electrical goods, is estimated to be draining as much as R100 billion annually. South Africa now has one of the highest levels of illicit cigarette trade in the world, accounting for up to 74.5% of the market in 2024. Illicit alcohol alone cost the country R16.5 billion in lost revenue last year. Tyikwe said the challenge requires decisive, collective and multi-faceted action to restore integrity to the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods sector and safeguard South Africa’s economic future.
The newly launched task forces will focus on six of the most affected sectors: liquor, tobacco, food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, clothing, and toys. Their work includes coordinating operations across industries, supporting law-enforcement through verified intelligence, driving policy reforms, strengthening public-private partnerships, empowering consumers to identify and reject illicit goods, and improving reporting mechanisms for citizens and businesses.
Industry leaders welcomed the initiative. CGSO CEO Queen Munyai said the task forces complement the work being done to educate consumers about buying legitimate products. Acting Deputy Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission, Hardin Ratshisusu, emphasised the financial impact illicit trade has on the economy. Angela Russell, CEO of the Drinks Federation, said illicit alcohol continues to threaten the future of the industry, while Milk SA’s Thabang Rampa highlighted illegal raw milk sales as a growing danger in the dairy sector.
The launch also coincides with the next phase of the Checka Daai Ding awareness campaign, which encourages South Africans to report counterfeit goods and unsafe products. Tyikwe said the campaign aims to transform the public from passive consumers into vigilant buyers who understand the risks of illicit goods and the damage they cause to communities.
To support this, CGCSA introduced the MYCGCSA App a scan, verify and report tool that allows consumers to check product authenticity by scanning barcodes and immediately reporting suspicious items. Tyikwe said consumers can no longer assume a product is safe simply because it is on a shelf. She noted that the app helps rebuild trust by giving consumers the ability to verify legitimacy and report concerns directly. Reports submitted through the app are verified by CGCSA and then escalated to law enforcement and brand owners for investigation.
Enhanced features for the app, including 360-degree product views and expanded traceability, are expected in 2026. Tyikwe said industry must work together to prevent a future where illicit products overshadow legitimate business. She stressed that collaboration is the only way to protect consumers, restore the rule of law and rebuild confidence in South Africa’s market.
South Africans are encouraged to download the MYCGCSA App or report suspicious goods via the toll-free hotline: 0800 0174 856.
