3 February 2006
The dti Consumer and Corporate Regulatory Division (CCRD) responsible for
the delivery of the Awards for Consumer Champions today announced the
impressive list of the 2006 Awards nominees.
Three nominees per category were selected for each of the four categories,
following an intensive nomination process conducted nationwide. Nominations
were invited from consumer bodies, the media, and provincial consumer
offices.
Expanding on the nomination process, Advocate Brenda Madumise, chairperson
of the 2006 panel of adjudicators said: "It is encouraging to witness the
increasing participation and enthusiasm around the Awards for Consumer
Champions, evidenced by the quality of nominations received for this year's
finalists. What was remarkable was the outstanding work that they did in
promoting and protecting consumerism in South Africa".
"We are also encouraged by the media response; we have always believed that
media coverage of consumer issues is vital to protect and educate consumers.
The space and airtime that the media houses are devoting to consumer issues
underlines their admirable commitment and responsibility and that should be
rewarded," said Madumise.
It is the fifth time that the awards will be presented in South Africa. The
winners of each category will be announced on 15 March 2006, celebrated
internationally as World Consumer Rights Day. The international theme for 2006
is Energy: Sustainable Access for All.
"Included in the eight internationally recognised consumer rights are the
rights to safety and a healthy and sustainable environment. Although the
international theme focuses on energy, we deem accessibility to all services to
be a key component of our responsibility to consumers. In recognising and
awarding our consumer champions, we as government are living up to our State
President's promise to the nation of âBatho Pele' putting our people first. The
protection and education of consumers is an internationally recognised
principle of governance. As a major continental and global player, South Africa
has made significant progress in realising and entrenching the fundamental
rights of consumers, and ensuring that they continue to make a contribution to
the sound economy of this country," said Astrid Ludin, Deputy Director General
for the Consumer and Corporate Regulation Division of the dti.
The nominees for the dti Awards for Consumer Champions 2006 are:
Individual Champion category:
* Clarence Mtutuzeli Xiniwe â Co-ordinator: Wilo Mqanduli Community Advice
Office
* Lillibeth Moolman - Vice Chairman South African National Consumer Union
* Brian Josselowitz - News Editor, Cape Community Newspapers
Consumer Journalist category:
* Thuli Zungu - Head of Consumer Desk, City Press
* Zweli Nokhatywa - Presenter of consumer show on Radio Zibonele
* Maureen Marud - Consumer Editor, Argus Action, Cape Argus
Organisational Champion category:
* Micro Finance Regulatory Council (MFRC)
* Ombudsman for Short-Term Insurance (OSTI)
Non-Profit Organisational Champion category:
* South African National Consumer Union
* Port Elizabeth Consumers' Association
* Relemogile Advice Centre
With nominations concluded and the finalists presented, the South African
public can now participate in the process by casting their vote for the
consumer champion of their choice.
"The public will be able to view the list of finalists in the media over the
next coming weeks. We will also embark on a national road show in an effort to
reach our far-lying areas with the sole aim being to educate our disadvantaged
consumers on their eight basic rights, whilst also encouraging votes for
nominees," said Karin Coode, Director Education and Compliance, Office of
Consumer Protection at the dti.
"We have provided the public with a number of user-friendly voting options,
and encourage them to exercise their consumer voice by casting their votes for
the consumer champion of their choice. Votes can be cast via the following
options:
* Calling the dti Customer Care Centre on: 0861 843 384, OR
* Online at www.thedti.gov.za and following the link to the Consumer Awards,
OR
* Via SMS to 32339.
Voting closes on 10 March 2006 at 17h00, and the category winners will be
announced on 15 March 2006 at the Gala Awards dinner.
Further information on each of the nominees can be accessed on http://www.thedti.gov.za
Enquiries:
Karin Coode
Tel: (012) 394 1541
Fax: (012) 394 2541
E-mail: Karin@thedti.gov.za
Donavan Jacobs
Tel: (012) 394 1641
Fax (012) 394 2641
Cell: 082 751 1078
DJacobs@thedti.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
3 February 2006
