BY KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
THE Consumers in North West will now refer their grievances to be resolved in consumer court. This came about after the Provincial Consumer Affairs Office has made an update on the establishment of Provincial Consumer Court recently.
The finance, economy and enterprise development department said the court will ensure that the victims of unscrupulous businesses in the province get justice. The office will operate under the auspice of economy and enterprise development department.
MEC for FEED department, Wendy Nelson said they are in the process of finalising Provincial Consumer Court as defined by the appointment of Consumer Court members inclusive of Chairperson.
“The department anticipates on starting court proceedings in the new financial year. The primary objective of the court is to receive, hear and adjudicate over disputes arising between consumers and businesses in the province.
“More focus is on matters concerning the sale of goods or rendering of services by businesses to consumers. Emphasis will be on cases where consumer and a trader could not reach an amicable solution after the matter had been referred to Consumer Affairs. For example, if a consumer bought goods and not satisfied with the service or goods paid for, the consumer may approach the office which will investigate the matter,” Nelson said.
She further added that if a consumer feels aggrieved by the conduct of business or supplier, can then approach the court to either get refund or exchange goods for services paid.
“So far, about 80% of our cases are resolved through mediation. Unresolved cases will be referred to court. Other matters have been referred to other regulators such as National Consumer Commission, National Credit Regulator and different Ombudsman.
“Following consumer education awareness and inspections around the province, the department has noted that most consumers complain about traders that are selling fake goods and not issuing receipt of the purchased goods. All the contraventions in terms of Consumer Protection Act are referred to National Consumer Commission currently. However cases are still investigated by Consumer Affairs Office,” she said.
Nelson said the department will refer all these kind of cases to Consumer Court. She said businesses that are not complying with the Act were given compliance notice. Nelson further said that if not adhering to the notice, they will be referred to the National Consumer Commission.
“We have observed an increase in disparities between businesses and consumers as a result of unfair business practices. We continue to urge consumers to have a strong voice to enforce their rights and know their responsibilities. Our services are free of charge and we are fully committed to provide consumers with information to protect themselves from misleading promotions. We want them to make informed decisions,” Nelson said.
“The department is working with different stakeholders. We have included tribal authorities, business community and regulators to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities. Consumers are urged to demand protection for their rights. They are afforded to them by the Consumer Protection Act. They should also note that there are strict time frames specified for the realisation of these rights,” she said.
Nelson said consumers were advised to lodge complaints promptly with the office when their rights are infringed. She said they must comply with the prescribed time frames. She further added that the court will fully operate in the next financial year.
TDN
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