29 March 2007
The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) is mandated to champion the
consumer rights of every South African. As such, the dti is spearheading the
passing of consumer-protective regulation, it is giving professional advice to
consumers and it is enabling training and support to every consumer in our
country.
Another of the initiatives implemented to promote consumer awareness and
consumer education is the annual Consumer Champion Awards. These accolades
recognise and reward individuals and organisations who work hard to advance the
rights of consumers.
The Awards were launched in 2001, making the 2007 Awards the 6th of its
kind. This year's theme was: 'Choice Is Power.' This theme was chosen as it
underlines one of the internationally recognised consumer rights - the right to
choice.
As in previous years, nominations for the awards were made by stakeholders
in the consumer arena. A panel of expert judges is invited each year to
shortlist finalists in each category, while category winners are determined by
a public voting process.
This public voting process is supported by a national awareness campaign in
the form of road shows. These road shows include industrial theatre
performances and shopping centre promotions.
Guests at the Award ceremony on 15 March, also World Consumer Rights Day,
were welcomed by Astrid Ludin, Deputy Director-General for the Consumer
Corporate Regulation Division and later addressed by Director-General, Tshediso
Matona. Further to the gala event, the dti is pleased to announce the following
winners in each of the 4 categories:
Individual Consumer Champion
A private individual who actively protects consumers against unfair business
practices, abuse and dangers; and helps improve the lives of consumers.
Category Winner: Nonhlanhla Kathleen (Pinky) Madlala, Co-ordinator of the
Access to Justice Programme
Consumer Journalist
A journalist who helps consumers to understand and fight for their rights by
exposing consumer problems, dangers and unfair business practices, including
misleading advertising, and who gives consumers useful advice. This category
covers both electronic and print media.
Category Winner: Thuli Zungu, Consumer Editor, Sowetan
Organisational Champion
A business association or committee that has made a significant and
demonstrable contribution to raising public awareness about consumer issues or
harmful business practices, consumer research and advocacy of consumer
issues.
Category Winner: The Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance
Non-Profit Representative Organisation
An organisation that actively protects consumers against unfair business
practices, abuse and dangers; and helps improve the lives of consumers. This
organisation may be a union, Non-Government Organisation or any other
non-profit support or working group.
Category Winner: Relemogile Advice Office
Every nominee has a great deal to be proud of as they have been singled out
by stakeholders and the public alike for their commitment and contribution
toward consumerism in the rainbow nation.
Enquiries:
Elmarie Loubser
Practice Head, PR Dynamics
Tel: (011) 463 4643
E-mail: elmarie@prdynamics.co.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
29 March 2007
Source: Department of Trade and Industry (http://www.dti.gov.za)
