Inaccurate measurements in commercial trade do not merely misrepresent quantities, but they directly weaken public trust, cost businesses millions in hidden losses and shortchange everyday consumers.
This warning formed the core message delivered on Tuesday at The George Hotel in Manzini, where the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade officially opened a crucial regional training course for technical assessors from across Southern Africa.
The four-day Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS) Legal Metrology Assessor Training Course gathers regulatory officials, calibration specialists and regional assessors to harmonise measurement standards across SADC member states.
Speaking on behalf of Principal Secretary Ambassador Masuku, the Director of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Mluleki Dlamini, emphasised that precise measurement underpins both daily life and national economic survival.
“Accurate measurement is fundamental to everyday life and economic activity,” Dlamini said. He added that whether a consumer purchases goods by weight, a business supplies products by volume, or an exporter demonstrates compliance with market requirements, confidence in the measurement is essential.
Dlamini stressed that legal metrology acts as a vital protective barrier in commercial transactions, safeguarding consumers while maintaining equity among competing commercial entities.
“Legal metrology helps protect that confidence,” he stated, further mentioning that it also supports fairness in commercial transactions, safeguards consumers and enables businesses to compete on an equitable basis. “When measurements are unreliable, consumers may receive less than they pay for, businesses may suffer losses and trust in the marketplace is weakened,” he added.
The workshop focuses on standardising assessment techniques and enforcing the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 international standard within legal metrology frameworks. Through classroom modules and hands-on practical evaluations in working environments, assessors are learning to translate rigid technical requirements into effective auditing practices.
Dlamini mentioned that hosting the regional initiative reinforces Eswatini’s ongoing efforts to build a robust quality infrastructure. He added that establishing accredited laboratories and trustworthy verification systems remains essential for local enterprises aiming to penetrate international export markets without encountering technical trade barriers.
“For Eswatini, hosting this course reflects the importance we place on strengthening our national quality infrastructure,” Dlamini noted. He said competent laboratories and credible conformity assessment services support industrial development, improve the quality of goods and services and help businesses meet the requirements of domestic and export markets.
