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In his address at a function celebrating Taiwan's National Day on 9 October, Premier Gerald Morkel pointed a finger at a growing complacency amongst consumers in accepting inferior quality goods and services.

The Western Cape Provincial Administration prides itself on its quality of service delivery.

"But we are very aware of the fact that we have not yet reached a peak of service excellence. We as service providers should never allow ourselves to become complacent.

I am sad to say that South African consumers have become far too complacent. If we wish to follow Taiwan's example of quality standards then we as manufacturers had better start pulling up our socks and take our eyes off the clock and put our shoulders to the wheel."

Morkel said consumers also play a major role in the service delivery chain. "As consumers we must learn how to object to below standard workmanship. I want to say this about inferior quality: As long as consumers continue to take it, manufacturers will continue to make it."

The Premier said that since his return from his recent trip to Hong Kong and Taiwan, where he held talks with a world famous textile manufacturer about their plans to create 1 500 new jobs in the Western Cape; he has come back with a renewed sense of urgency.

"I have made a commitment to my MECs and to my staff that we shall all have to burn a lot more midnight oil in the future if we plan to compete in the global arena of productivity with countries like Taiwan and with cities like Taipei."

Enquiries: Chris Koole at 082 774 3462

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Western Cape, 9 October 2001