through campaigns
3 March 2009
The Mpumalanga Provincial Government will this month observe the consumer
month as part of international consumer rights campaigns to raise public
consciousness on consumersâ rights and responsibilities.
The directorate of consumer services and allied stakeholders such as the
National Credit Regulator (NCR), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Financial Services Board (FSB), the Council for Medical Aid Schemes and other
regulators will be driving an awareness campaign to give tips to consumers on
how to survive the tough economic challenges and educate them about their
rights and obligations.
The consumer month and related events takes place during challenging times
as developed and developing nations experience the effects of the economic
hardships.
The MEC for Economic Development and Planning, Mr Craig Padayachee says it
is important that the rights of consumers are protected at all times,
especially during these challenging financial period, and that it is imperative
for consumers to know exactly what their rights are, which are protected in the
constitution of this country, so that they are able to fend for themselves
against unscrupulous and unfair business practices.
âDuring this time when the economic situation is less favourable to the
business and communities, it is critically important that the rights of
consumers are protected from any practices or behaviour that can compromise
these rights, which we fought for so hard. Our people cannot be helpless when
some business people subject them to unfair business practices while we have
such good constitutional remedies against unscrupulous practices,â said
Padayachee.
While the consumers are the biggest contributors to the economies of the
world, the chilling reality is that there are some practises and behaviours
that continue to undermine them in the seller-buyer relationship.
MEC Padayachee urged the various communities to exercise communal
responsibility by raising the flag on any practice that seeks to deceive
consumers to enter into unnecessary debt or financial commitments that are
beyond oneâs financial capacity.
He said in a seller-buyer relationship is important that all parties adhere
to the values of good business practice and sound financial decision making to
avoid engaging in unfathomable financial commitments which are currently
putting our people and the economy under a lot of strain.
The theme for the month is âSurviving the tough economic conditions, what
are the consumersâ options.â
Other planned events:
Date: 13 March 2009
Activity: Consumer Rights Roadshow
Venue: Nelspruit Plaza (Ehlanzeni)
Time: To be announced later
Activity: Consumer Rights Roadshow
Venue: Ermelo Shopping complex (Gert Sibande Municipality)
Time: To be announced later
Date: 24 March 2009
Activity: Consumer rights roadshow
Venue: Delmas Shopping complex (Nkangala Municipality)
Time: To be announced later
For more information contact:
Thomas Msiza
Tel: 013 766 4136
Cell: 079 500 0137
Issued by: Department of Economic Development and Planning, Mpumalanga
Provincial Government.
3 March 2009
