The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in partnership with Motor Industry Ombudsman (MIOSA) and National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS), Department of Employment and Labour, South African Police Services (SAPS), South African Revenue Services (SARS Customs), Department of Home Affairs (Immigration) and Veterinary Health Practitioners conducted inspections at various businesses yesterday at Klerksdorp.
The event is part of a build-up to World Consumer Rights Day Celebrations that has kicked off with road shows in all the districts within the Province, to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Amongst the businesses visited were automotive dealers, supermarkets, liquor outlets and mechanical workshops.
During the inspections, the team observed that most of the automotive dealers contravened Section 51 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which talks to terms and conditions of the sales agreement. The Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa advised motor dealers to install proper visible signages which includes “parking at your own risk, every car is left at owners’ risk" inside their businesses.
In terms of Section 49 of the Consumer Protection Act, any signage in the dealership should be displayed at the entrance or reception area of the business premises and visible enough to enable consumers to read before they engage in any sales agreements.
“We have noted that most of the businesses are taking advantage of consumers by not adhering to legislations and ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Although the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) provides some peace of mind for car buyers but consumers also need to be aware that their rights are not always unlimited”.
“For a car buyer, an important part of the CPA is probably the right to deliver safe and quality goods to consumers,” Luscious Bodibe, Public Affairs Manager at Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa explains.
"We urged our businesses to ensure that they read and understand the conditions of the legislations they are operating under to avoid been penalised”, said Ruth Dzanibe: Deputy Director: Consumer Investigations.
Fines amounting to R21 500 were issued to liquor outlets by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism, with regard to labour issues the Department of Labour will make follow-up on matters relating to Basic Conditions of Employment and National Minimum.
Colonel Mogotsi indicated that Klerksdorp Police Station will continue to check on all businesses that were found to be in contravention of any consumer legislations to ensure that the rights and responsibilities are not infringed.
The Department is currently hosting an engagement with motor dealers and other relevant stakeholders in Klerksdorp and will close the programme with a consumer walk on the 14 March 2020 at Trim Park, in Potchefstroom.
For enquiries:
Ms Dumisa Seshabela - Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 079 522 7375
Email: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
