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Consumers right to protection highlighted at NMMU seminar

‘’Part of the success of an economy is dependent on how strong the regulatory frameworks are. The rights of the consumer are part of these frameworks,’’ said Mcebisi Jonas, Eastern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Environmental Affairs at a seminar on the Consumer Protection Act at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University today (Thursday, 15 July 2010).

Jonas admitted that these rights probably did not get attention they were supposed to receive. ‘’Consumer rights are central to economic development. The negative impact on a system that is not protected, eventually kills consumption in general’’.

Themed as “Distilling Insights and Perspectives on the Consumer Protection Act”, the seminar forms part of the Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs (DEDEA) stakeholder awareness campaign and was hosted by the department working in partnership with NMMU.

Focusing on topics such as Understanding the Consumer Protection Act, Consumer Rights and the Law, Business Imperatives versus Consumer Rights and Understanding the Companies Act, the packed NMMU Auditorium heard that the Act will have a significant impact on the way business is conducted in South Africa.

Sipho Tleane, Director: Office of Consumer Protection at the Department of Trade and Industry gave background to the Act, highlighted its policy context, objectives and principles and gave a comprehensive overview of the rights of the consumer.

The consumers’ fundamental rights are equality, privacy, choice, disclosure, information, responsible marketing, honest dealing, fair value, good quality and safety and accountability.

Most of the provisions of the Act come into effect on 25 October 2010, which is 18 months after the date on which the Act was signed. An important exception is Section 61, which holds suppliers liable for damages caused by defective goods even if the suppliers were not negligent. This section applies in respect of any goods that were first supplied to a consumer on or after 25 April 2010.

Stakeholders from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti), Port Elizabeth Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PERCCI), National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC), Border Kei Chamber of Business (BOKCOC) and Foundation for African Business and Consumer Services (FABCOS), government departments and public entities, academics and the public attended the seminar.

Enquiries:
Prof Vivienne Lawack-Davids
	Position: Executive Dean Department: Faculty of Law Phone: 27415042190 Fax: 27415042818 E-mail: vivienne.lawack-davids Location: Summerstrand Campus (South)

Issued by:
Ms Roslyn Baatjies
	Position: Media Liaison Practitioner Department: Marketing & Corporate Relations Phone: 041-504 2777 / 082 7712 100 Fax: 086 6165 676 E-mail: roslyn.baatjies Location: Summerstrand Campus (North)