| The
Bill of Rights: Consumer Responsibilities |
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| "The Bill of Rights,
which is a cornerstone of the Constitution, enshrines the rights of all
the people in South Africa, including their consumer rights." |
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- "As consumers you have the responsibility...to
promote and protect your interests."
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- "...as long as you remain passive, you will be
or continued to be exploited. If you are not
satisfied with the condition of the products or the services
provided to you, speak to the right person so as fair deal. Don't
be afraid to complain."
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| The
Bill of Rights: Consumer Rights |
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| There
are 8 consumer rights, but I only highlight some: |
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Safety:
"...consumers should be protected against
production processes, products and services that are dangerous to health
or life."
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This
means that the Government, business and civil society must ensure:
- Safety and quality standards for goods and
services.
- Facilities for testing and certification for
safety, quality and performance of essential consumer goods and
services.
- Those policies are put in place for manufacturers
to recall, replace, modify, substitute or compensate for defective
or dangerous products.
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| Choice:
"...consumers should be able to choose from a
range of products and services, offered at competitive prices with an
assurance of satisfactory quality."
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Government
and business need to ensure that:
- There is control of abusive and restrictive
business practices.
- Goods meet reasonable demands for durability,
utility, reliability and are fit for their purpose.
- Reliable after-sales service and spare parts are
available.
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| Representation: Consumers'
interests should be represented in the making and execution of
government policy, and in the development of products and services."
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It
is therefore essential for Government to:
- Facilitate the development of independent consumer
groups.
- Ensure that opportunities are provided for consumer
groups to present views in decision-making processes.
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| Redress:
"Consumers
must receive a fair settlement of just claims, including compensation
for misrepresentation, or shabby goods or services."
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This
means that Government, business and civil society need to:
- Set up fair, inexpensive and accessible avenues for
redress.
- Resolve disputes in a fair, efficient and informal
manner.
- Set up voluntary mechanisms such as advisory
services and informal complaints procedures for consumers.
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Sourced from: http://www.dti.gov.za/protectingconsumers/consumerrights.htm
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| Consumer
Complaint Bodies |
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| Province |
Telephone Number |
Fax Number |
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| Eastern Cape |
(040) 609 3052 |
(040) 609 3231 |
| Free State |
(051) 403 3616 |
(051) 403 3437 |
| Gauteng |
(011) 355 8117 |
(011) 355 3017 |
| KwaZulu-Natal |
(031) 310 5310 |
(031) 310 5416 |
| Limpopo |
(015) 298 7071 |
(015) 295 8750 |
| Mpumalanga |
(013) 752 3761/5 |
(013) 752 3729 |
| North West |
(018) 389 5046 |
(018) 889 5636 |
| Northern Cape |
(053) 832 2566/7 |
(053) 832 2564 |
| Western Cape |
(021) 483 4235 |
(021) 483 3483 |
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| Sourced from: http://www.dti.gov.za/protectingconsumers/consumercomplaintsbodies.htm
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| Contact
details for Minister of Trade and Industry |
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Mr
Mandisi Bongani Mabuto Mpahlwa
Private
Bag X274
Pretoria
0001
Tel:
(012) 394 1480/1
Fax:
(012) 394 0337
or
Private
Bag X9047
Cape
Town
8000
Tel: (021) 461 7191-3
Fax:
(021) 465 1291 |
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Consumer
and Corporate Regulation Division (CCRD)
The
CCRD is a body that advises the Department of Trade and Industry
minister Mandisi Mpahlwa on consumer investigations.
Consumer
and Corporate Regulation Division
Director
of Consumer Investigations Directorate: Mr Ebrahim Mohamed
Private
Bag X84
Pretoria
0001
Tel:
(012) 394 1542
Fax:
(012) 394 2542
email:
ebimo@thedti.gov.za |
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