Competitor Allowed to Sell While We Are Blocked

Nebula Seeds has been selling cannabis seeds on Takealot for the past year. Approximately four months ago, we received confirmation that Takealot would approve our account, supported the sale, and that we were permitted to sell cannabis seeds. Based on this confirmation, we acquired stock and are ready to commence selling on the platform. However, upon applying for a seller account, our application was immediately denied. It then took Takealot over two weeks and four follow-up calls to formally confirm its position. The reason provided was: “Takealot Marketplace maintains a strict list of prohibited items to ensure full compliance with the laws of the Republic of South Africa and our own safety standards. Under the Platform Compliance Guide (Section 9.4), Takealot explicitly prohibits the sale of: • Any type of plant, seed and other plant material containing cannabis.” If this is the current position, it is unclear why Takealot continues to permit the sale of cannabis seeds by other sellers. This discrepancy was previously brought to Takealot’s attention and, at the time, the sale was confirmed as acceptable for us. Despite the recent communication, these sellers continue to list and sell the same products. For reference: https://www.takealot.com/all?_sb=1&_r=1&_si=593ad490acf2ab7e8e9af9a***1b&qsearch=nebula%20seeds The seller also actively advertises their presence on Takealot via their website: https://www.nebulaseeds.co.za/pages/nebula-seeds-now-on-takealot If we are now not permitted to sell these products, we require a clear explanation as to why another reseller continues to be permitted to do so. We require formal clarification on this matter and finalisation of Takealot’s position. If this discrepancy continues without resolution, we will have no option but to consider legal action.