Government has implemented a six-month ban on the export of copper and other scrap metals. The ban is an effort to clamp down on the illegal trade of the scrap metals, as well as to curb vandalism of public infrastructure and cable theft. Speaking to members of the media on Wednesday, Minister of trade, industry and competition, Ebrahim Patel said copper and scrap metal theft at the country's SOEs robs the economy of about R47-billion annually. The six-month ban will be regulated through a permit system administered by the International Trade Administration Commission. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Stephen Hanival.