The Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs through its Consumer Protection Office celebrated the World Consumer Rights Day on the 15th March at Harry Gwala Multipurpose Centre in Sasolburg.
World Consumer Rights Day promote the basic rights of all consumers. All citizens are mobilized to demand that those rights are respected and protected, and to protest the market abuses and social injustices which undermine them.
The community of Metsimaholo Local Municipality were educated about their consumer rights and responsibilities because consumer rights are human rights. The theme for this year`s celebration was “Trusted Smart Products”.
The community was educated about their rights when it comes to the trusted smart products. They are:
- Fair contractual terms and conditions
- Clear and accessible contractual information
- Data security and data protection
- Protection against unfair business practices, and
- Delivery of goods and services without defects and in due time.
Welcoming the guests, the Executive Mayor of Metsimaholo Local Municipality Lindiwe Tshongwe expressed her concerns regarding a huge number of spaza shops in Zamdela owned by foreign nationals who do not pay tax. She urged community members to protect the economy of their Municipality and also look out for expired and default products when doing their shopping.
As part of the programme for the day, there were testimonies by happy consumers who were assisted by the Free State Consumer Protection Office with various claims ranging from clothing retail shops and the motor industry to mention but a few. Ms. Mosieleng Isher Nhlapo testified that the Consumer Protection Office assisted her when she was having a crisis with the dealership where she bought her second hand car. After the intervention by the office, the dealership agreed to change the car and gave her a new one.
Giving the keynote address on behalf of MEC for DESTEA Limakatso Mahasa, Advocate Anthony Sefo, one of the Consumer Court members said products that are often bought and give our people problems are second hand motor vehicles, furniture, electrical appliances, insurances, building construction, medical services, cellphone contracts and designer clothing.
Outlining the trusted smart products to consumers, Mr. Keke Mulutsi, a representative from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) said if your cellphone does not have the ICASA sticker, then it is not a trusted brand. “As much as smart technology brings many
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