The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)has raised the alarm bells on service providers using fake licences to gain public trust. 

SAHPRA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Boitumela Semete-Makokotlela, said cannabis dispensaries are mushrooming in shopping malls, blatantly displaying copies of SAHPRA ‘licences’ which were issued authorising cannabis cultivation and exporting of the cannabis flower.

“Such licences do not authorise these so-called cannabis dispensaries.”

Semete-Makokotlela stressed that the use of fake licenses is not only illegal but also poses a serious risk to public health and safety. 

She added that companies and individuals who use fake licenses do so to gain public trust and conduct business. 

“Members of the public are urged to verify the authenticity of any SAHPRA-issued licence by contacting the Authority directly through the official communication channels or checking on the SAHPRA website, under ‘databases and registers’.”

She said SAHPRA is in the process of sourcing a system that uses barcoding as a means of authenticating these certificates and that it will also embark on a public outreach campaign, raising awareness on establishing the authenticity of licences. 

Semete-Makokotlela reiterated that it is highly unethical and illegal for any individual or company to claim SAHPRA authorisation through forged documentation.

“We take this matter seriously and will work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders are dealt with swiftly and decisively. The public must be protected from such deceptive behaviour.”

The health authority said it remains committed to safeguarding public health by regulating health products with integrity, transparency, and accountability. The public is encouraged to engage only with properly licensed and verified providers.

If you suspect that a provider is using a fraudulent SAHPRA licence, this can be reported to SAHPRA at 0800 204 307.

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

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