Fined over scrap metal

Concerns rife that measures in place to control the industry are not effective.

- Amanda Visser

A Cape Town-based export company, Scrapmania, has received a hefty fine for illegally exporting serap metal without a valid export permit.

The export of scrap metal is controlled mainly to prevent infrastructure theft and ensure locals have access to higher-quality and affordable scrap several industry However, players have questioned government interventions and their success in preventing infrastructure theft and providing "affordable" scrap to local mills and foundries.

In the latest case, the International Trade Administration Commission (Itac) took Scrapmania and its director, Joseph Hurling, to task for exporting 20 containers of scrap metal without a valid permit.

Guilty plea The case against the firm was opened last September in the Eastern Cape.

The company was charged with contravening the provisions of the International Trade Act.

This week, the company pleaded guilty and was fined R150 000.