The Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) will roll out a national campaign commencing on 1 to 28 February 2011, to raise awareness about the rights they enjoy under the new Consumer Protection Act. The Consumer Protection Act comes into effect on 1 April 2011 and will be implemented by the National Consumer Commission (NCC), which will take over the Office of Consumer Protection of the dti.
The focus of the campaign will be on the rights of consumers to:
- cancel or renew a fixed-term agreement
- cancel direct marketing contracts within the cooling-off period
- give effect to the consumer’s right to stop the usage of their data for direct marketing purposes
- choose or examine goods, even after purchase and delivery
- return goods and seek redress for unsatisfactory services
- retain and not pay for unsolicited goods or services and
- cancel advance reservations.
Section 20 and 56 of the CPA places emphasis on the right to choose, right to fair value and good quality which provides consumers with redress on unsatisfactory goods and services. The envisaged outcome of the campaign is to ensure that consumers:
- are able to make well informed buying decisions
- are able to access a wide range of products and services based on honest and fair marketing and selling practices
- have access to efficient and effective redress
- are educated about their rights and responsibilities.
This campaign is a continuation of the drive to prepare the public in general about their rights so that they can use the Consumer Protection Act effectively in protecting themselves. Informed consumers are an integral part for economic growth.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
