In an on-going crusade of encouraging citizens to play active role in understanding and defending their rights as consumers, Jonas spoke to a group of more 1 200 community members in Sterkstroom about the importance of consumer rights activism to them as individuals and the well-being of the economy as the whole.
The MEC said consumers have to be able to invoke relevant and solid consumer rights facts when in need and contest as groups as the power is in numbers in the fight against business malpractices.
Currently, the cases that our offices deal with are on the rise and it is pivotal for consumers to organise themselves as some of the illegal practices are increasingly becoming a societal problem spiralling out of control added Jonas.
“Citizens need to come together and form community consumer movements in the society as this will assist in ensuring that a formidable voice in fighting the scourge that plagues the society gets momentum. The illegal micro-lenders continue deprive people in accessing services as some of them confiscate identity documents and this is a punishable offence by law”, said Jonas.
The need of using legal instruments and other remedies continues to be a solution in winning the battle against unscrupulous business practices and consumers need to be more vigilant in understanding the processes of putting these into effect.
“It is becoming increasingly clear that consumers are aware of the existing gap between their rights and ways of finding correct recourse should their rights be contravened. The process of setting – up a consumer tribunal is one of the legal instruments that will see the consumer rights enshrined”, said a visible concerned Jonas.
In attendance were agencies that are mandated to ensure the restoration of consumer rights and through their regulatory role and these included the: Financial Services Board, National Credit Regulator, National Debt Mediation Association, Council for Debt Collectors, National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the Council For Medical Schemes.
The consumer bodies outlined their role but clearly stating that in order to take action; it depends entirely on the information presented to them through which they ascertain the steps to be taken in dealing with the issue at hand.
Mr Didi Sebothoma from NCR emphasised that legal micro lenders ‘oomatshonisa’ are a necessity as they ensure access to much needed finance. “The perpetuation of the illegal activities is endorsed by other members and this then portrays a negative image across the board from those who conform in promoting sound business practices”, said Sebothomo.
“The process of establishing a consumer tribunal is one of the key milestones that will address the outcry from consumers. This will also complement the DEDEAT efforts geared towards the betterment and restoration of the integrity of the human rights which ought to be enjoyed by all the citizens”, further emphasised Jonas.
With the international Consumer Rights Day celebrated annually on 15 March, the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT) conducted an awareness session on the 6th of March 2013, in Sterkstroom to encourage citizens to join forces in restoring human dignity through preserving consumer rights. The theme for this year’s celebrations is “Consumer Justice Now”.
For enquiries and interviews please contact:
Sixolile Makaula
Communications Manager
Cell: 072 751 5001
Tel: 043 605 7117
E-mail: sixolile.makaula@deaet.ecape.gov.za
