POLOKWANE – March is Consumer Rights and Protection Awareness Month, with this year’s theme focusing on ‘Empowering Consumers: Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices’. The Department of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism is dedicating the month to raising awareness about consumer rights, leading up to World Consumer Rights Day on March 15.

Consumers are encouraged to understand and exercise their rights while holding businesses accountable for fair and ethical practices. The department aims to create a marketplace where consumers are protected from exploitation, unfair business practices, and harmful products. Ethical business conduct—including transparency, honesty, and integrity – is emphasised as a key factor in building consumer trust.

According to the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, the following are key rights of consumers:

• Right to Equality in the Consumer Market and Protection Against Discriminatory Marketing Practices.
• Right to Privacy.
• Right to Choose.
• Right to Disclosure of Information.
• Right to Fair and Responsible Marketing.
• Right to Fair and Honest Dealings.
• Right to Fair, Just and Reasonable Terms and Conditions.
• Right to Fair Value, Good Quality and Safety.
• Right to Accountability from Suppliers.

The department has identified several areas of focus where consumer complaints are prevalent:

1. Non-compliant goods and refund issues: Consumers have reported problems with receiving refunds for defective or unsatisfactory products.
2. Motor vehicle industry violations: The department has received complaints about the motor vehicle industry, particularly regarding second-hand cars.
3. Funeral parlour complaints: Consumers have expressed concerns about practices at funeral parlours.
4. Cellphone contract issues: The department received complaints about cellphone contracts and related services.