(MISA/IFEX) – Gabz-FM and the host of its “Consumer Watchdog” programme, Kate Harriman, have been threatened with legal action by Shoprite (Retail Holding Botswana). In a letter dated October 7, 2005, and signed by Shoprite Director A N van Zyl, the retail chain alleged that Harriman was abusing her position to launch an unwarranted and […]
(MISA/IFEX) – Gabz-FM and the host of its “Consumer Watchdog” programme, Kate Harriman, have been threatened with legal action by Shoprite (Retail Holding Botswana).
In a letter dated October 7, 2005, and signed by Shoprite Director A N van Zyl, the retail chain alleged that Harriman was abusing her position to launch an unwarranted and “biased attack on Shoprite and its officials.”
“[W]e strongly suggest that you cease your biased public criticism which is both unfair and unwarranted. Our rights are accordingly reserved to take whatever legal action we consider appropriate against both you and your radio station,” the letter reads in part.
In an interview with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Botswana, Harriman said she had looked into an incident in June in which a woman, Joyce Moloi, injured herself when she tripped over builders’ shelves left by construction workers in the store. Harriman explained that on June 8, 2005, Moloi had written a letter to Shoprite management claiming the right to compensation for her injuries. No response was forthcoming and Harriman re-faxed the letter in an attempt to follow up on the matter.
A Shoprite advertising agent then phoned Harriman and verbally abused her. The agent later apologised after a public relations manager in Cape Town, South Africa, was contacted about the matter.
In July, Harriman told MISA Botswana that Shoprite’s regional manager indicated that he had submitted a claim to an insurance company, which denied ever receiving such a claim. Only in September did the insurance company respond to the radio programme to verify a 210 Pula (approx. US$38) insurance claim for Moloi.
Harriman denies allegations that she has publicly criticised Shoprite.
“All I have said on the programme is to remind Shoprite to get back to the programme presenter over the Moloi incident and all this was to give them an opportunity to respond. I have called and e-mailed management on numerous occasions because this is our job to follow up issues for clients and get back to them with answers.
“I think Shoprite has been given fair opportunity to respond to this matter,” she added.
In February 2005, Gabz-FM launched its “Consumer Watchdog” programme sponsored by Business & Enterprise Solutions Botswana (BESBW) and co-hosted by Harriman with the Gabz-FM morning team. “Consumer Watchdog” aims to campaign for legislation to protect the consumer, represent consumers and advocate on their behalf, make service providers in Botswana accountable and educate consumers about their choices, rights and responsibilities.
