The North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry’s National Consumer Commission celebrated the World Consumer Rights Day, at the Barolong- Boo-Rratshidi Hall, in Mahikeng today.
In her speech MEC Tebogo Modise said that government has partnered with traditional leaders to assist in creating awareness on consumer related issues. The traditional leaders will through information gathered today direct members of their communities to relevant departments and institutions when they experience unfair business practices.
She further said that her department will embark on an awareness campaign throughout the North West province to ensure that all of the province’s citizens know about the existence of the new Consumer Protection Act and how the National Consumer Commission, which opens its doors of April 1, will assist them.
"Traders should know that when they sell goods that are not conforming with description and specifications as stipulated in the sale contract are legally liable to provide consumers with the remedy. Consumers should keep records as a proof of purchase of goods and services they buy as these will assist in case they encounter problems," said MEC Modise.
The National Consumer Commissioner, Mamodupi Mohlala said the National Consumer Commission, which was launched by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies in Pretoria last Friday, would pay special attention to disadvantaged communities, as prescribed by the Act.
The imbizo was also part of the Commission’s objective to reach stakeholders in the rural areas, those who are most likely to experience unfair practices in the rendering of services and purchasing of goods.
"According to the new Act, the Commission has an obligation to pay special attention to people living in rural areas because they are part of the most vulnerable sections of our society. Most of violations of consumer rights happen in the rural areas, and to people that are marginalised and challenged from the literacy perspective. We as the Commission have proclaimed 2011 The Year of the National Consumer Commission and Upliftment of the Rural Communities,” said Mohlala.
Mohlala said it was crucial that provincial structures such as the Consumer Affairs Office and Consumer Courts should work in tandem with the new Commission for the benefit of consumers. The Commission would ensure that standards of service delivery when it comes to protecting consumers were the same throughout the country.
“The Commission’s envisage turn-around time for the resolution of a complaint is six months, and it is imperative that consumers’ complaints in all parts of the country receive similar attention and consideration without exception,” said Mohlala, adding that the Commission will be dealing with all complaints across the economic spectrum, including government.
The imbizo was attended by approximately 2 000 people from the province’s four districts which include representatives from traditional leaders.
Enquiries:
Sidwell Medupe
Tel: 012 394 1650
Cell: 079 492 1774
E-mail: MSMedupe@thedti.gov.za
Dumisa Seshabela
Director: Communication
Tel: 018 387 7860
Cell: 079 522 7375
E-mail: dseshabela@nwpg.gov.za
Source: Department of Trade and Industry
Traditional leaders have a role to play in consumer protection – MEC Modise
