World Consumer Rights Day is a chance to deliver real impact for consumers and remind the world about the importance of observing and enforcing consumer rights.

The day is commemorated as an annual occasion dedicated to highlighting the power of consumers and their rights for a fair, safe and sustainable marketplace for everyone.

Too often consumers are left at a disadvantage with the companies and governments they encounter, leaving them exposed to unsafe, unfair or unethical practice.

World Consumer Rights Day was inspired by President John F Kennedy, who sent a special message to the US Congress on 15th March 1962. In this he addressed the issue of consumer rights emphasizing “the right to safety, the right to be informed, the right to choose and the right to be heard.”

Consumer Rights

Shoddy service, bad quality products, broken promises and contract foul-ups are just some of the problems consumers face. But South African consumers’ rights are protected by law, which means they can demand redress.

There are various pieces of powerful legislation in place to protect consumers, the most important being the Consumer Protection Act (Act 68 of 2008) and the National Credit Act (Act 34 of 2005). Consumers also have the right to information and education.

The Consumer Protection Act outlines key consumer rights, including the right to:

• Be heard:
• Safety:
• Redress:
• Be informed:
• Choice:
• Consumer education:
• Satisfaction of basic needs:
• A healthy environment:

(These rights will be further explained during the week)

Complaints

There is no need to accept faulty products or shoddy service. If you are not content with a product purchased or with a service rendered, you should first complain to the branch manager or customer care office of the business concerned before asking the Consumer Affairs Office to intervene

Your first option is always to try to settle your complaint directly with the business or service provider. They might acknowledge the fault or the bad service, offer to replace the item or rectify the service and perhaps they might even offer you a voucher or a discount.

If that fails, your next option is to take it up with your Provincial Consumer Affairs Offices. These offices, in all nine provinces, offer advice, education, information, and protection.

These offices have trained staff to advise you on your rights as consumers.

You may also want to contact them to find out if a company you intend doing business with has a previous history of complaints against it.