The Department of Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development through Consumer Affairs Directorate conducted compliance inspections as build up to the World Consumer Rights celebrations yesterday, 14th March 2016, at Koster and Reagile location.
The massive consumer blitz aimed at checking compliance with consumer related legislation in the retail environment with particular focus on pricing of goods, expired date, damaged goods and specifications on goods.
The inspection was conducted in partnership with Departments of Home Affairs, Labour, and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), Municipal Environmental Health Practitioners (MEHP) and South African Police Services (SAPS), Gambling Board and Liquor Regulations.
Approximately 30 businesses and 19 liquor outlets were inspected, 3 were closed and 1 illegal foreigner arrested.
‘’The department has observed that most of the businesses especially in small dorpies are not complying with the Consumer Protection Act of 68 of 2008. Most of the consumers are victims of unfair trading due to their ignorance of the law. We felt that we need to constantly conduct these inspections coupled with awareness throughout the year, said Ms Onnica Sithole: Chief Director: Business Regulations.
Sithole was shocked by what they witnessed as some of the goods on shelves were dated 2014 and 2015.
Most of the goods confiscated were expired, not properly labelled as per NRCS prescripts, damaged, not have proper storage for goods. The goods that were confiscated estimated at R50 000 and were destroyed at the local dumping side.
The department is planning to have inspections on quarterly basis in order to ensure compliance with relevant legislations and strengthen the economy by creating a conducive environment for both consumers and businesses. It should however reiterate that consumers bear the owners of enforcing their rights.
The department ended its activities for the month by hosting World Consumers Rights Day celebration, today the 15th of March 2016 at Reagile Community Hall with the aim of promoting basic rights of all consumers and to ensure that consumers get a raw deal and businesses needs to value consumers’ worth in this economic cycle.
The celebration was held under the theme“ignorance of the law is not an excuse, it leads to consumer exploitation”
We urge consumer to report any unscrupulous business operations to the Consumer Affairs at (018) 387 7866/762 or send their send complaints to keemenaot@nwpg.gov.za.
For any enquiries please contact:
Dumisa Seshabela
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
