Awards
31 January 2007
In the spirit of democracy and in the interest of South African consumers,
the Department of Trade and Industry, is pleased to announce the 2007 Consumer
Champion Awards. The dti vision is of a South Africa that has a vibrant
economy, characterised by growth, employment and equity, built on the full
potential of all citizens.
South Africa's Bill of rights includes internationally recognised guidelines
for consumer rights:
* the right to satisfaction of basic needs
Consumers should have access to basic goods and services such as adequate
food, clothing, housing, healthcare, education, clean water and sanitation.
* the right to safety
From a trade and industry perspective, consumers should be protected against
production processes, products and services that are dangerous to health or
life.
* the right to information
Consumers must be provided with the facts needed to make informed choices
and to be protected against dishonest or misleading advertising and
labelling.
* the right to choice
Consumers should be able to choose from a range of products and services,
offered at competitive prices with an assurance of satisfactory quality.
* the right to representation
Consumers' interests should be represented in the making and execution of
government policy and in the development of products and services.
* the right to redress
Consumers must receive a fair settlement of just claims, including
compensation for misrepresentation, or shabby goods or services.
* the right to Consumer Education
Consumers need to acquire knowledge and skills needed to make informed and
confident choices about goods and services, while being aware of basic consumer
rights and responsibilities and how to act on them.
* the right to a healthy environment
Consumers should live and work in an environment that is not threatening to
the well-being of present and future generations.
To recognise and reward individuals who advance the rights of consumers,
stakeholders in the consumer industry are asked to nominate a business,
organisation and/or individual worthy of such an accolade. Nominations for
these awards can be made in the following categories:
1. Individual Consumer Champion
A private individual who actively protects consumers against unfair business
practices, abuse and dangers and helps improve the lives of consumers.
2. Consumer Journalist
A journalist who helps consumers to understand and fight for their rights by
exposing consumer problems, dangers and unfair business practices, including
misleading advertising and who gives consumers useful advice. This category
covers both electronic and print media.
3. Organisational Champion
A business association or committee that has made significant and
demonstrable contributions to raising public awareness about consumer issues or
harmful business practices, consumer research and advocacy of consumer
issues
4. Non-Profit Representative Organisation
An organisation that actively protects consumers against unfair business
practices, abuse and dangers and helps improve the lives of consumers. This
organisation may be a union, non-governmental organisation (NGO) or any other
non-profit support or working group.
Stakeholder nominations in the four categories must be submitted by Friday,
19 January 2007. Three finalists in each category will be selected by a panel
of judges, based on the following criteria:
* current engagement in a national course or campaign, or representation of
the interests of consumers nationally
* a track record in the protection of consumer rights, with identifiable
milestones and/or results
* creativity in addressing issues, resolving cases or raising the profile of
consumer rights, in spite of limited resources, language barriers and/or
geographical constraints
* exceptional or above average courage, tenacity, responsibility, consistency,
professionalism and commitment in championing and protecting consumer
rights.
The finalists in each category will be announced to the public on Friday, 26
January 2007. The winners will be determined by public vote and announced at a
ceremony to coincide with the International Consumer Rights Day on Thursday, 15
March 2007.
Members of the public will be able to cast their vote at road shows in each
of the nine provinces.
To generate support for the public voting process, the dti is embarking on a
national awareness campaign that will include shopping centre promotions and
extensive media coverage of this, the 6th Consumer Champion Awards.
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
31 January 2007
Source: Department of Trade and Industry (http://www.dti.gov.za)
