15 March 2006
In celebration of World Consumer Rights Day, the Gauteng Department of
Finance and Economic Affairs in partnership with the Gauteng Department of
Education today launched a consumer education curriculum for grade eight and
nine learners at the Tholulwazi Secondary School in Tsakane, Brakpan.
Held under the theme "The right to consumer education", the launch follows
the successful roll out in 2004 of the consumer education curriculum to grade
seven learners across Gauteng.
"Our intention is to ensure that within the next two years, the curriculum
in also offered to grade 10 to 12 learners," said the Gauteng Consumer
Protector, Gaki Pitso.
The launch of the curriculum will assist in promoting a culture of being
responsible consumers on the part of learners, who are expected to impart the
knowledge they have about consumer rights to their parents and friends.
Celebrated every year, World Consumer Rights Days marks an important
milestone in raising awareness about consumer rights and ensuring that
consumers protect themselves against unfair business practices.
"It is our responsibility to provide protection to consumers and we trust
that we will be able to effectively carry out this task through institutions we
have created in Gauteng such as the consumer court and the office of the
consumer protector," said Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Affairs, Paul
Mashatile.
Commenting on the curriculum Mashatile said: "The curriculum is an important
tool in bridging the information gap and we urge all teachers and learners to
receive it with great enthusiasm as it will contribute positively to the
objective of promoting the rights of consumers."
For more information contact:
Percy Mthimkhulu
Cell: 082 379 1913
Issued by: Department of Finance and Economic Affairs, Gauteng Provincial
Government
15 March 2006
