The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has once more teamed up with the Competition Commission, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and various regulatory bodies, collectively known as the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF), to celebrate World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD).
At a media launch on March 10, Bonani Dube, the acting director of Business Regulations and Governance for the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, revealed the 2025 WCRD programme, highlighting the importance of Mpumalanga as the host.
He mentioned that activities had already started and would culminate in the main event on March 14.
The programme features the relaunch of the Mpumalanga Consumer Court on March 13.
“We are confident that the consumer court will be crucial in supporting and safeguarding consumers in our province. Revitalising this tool is one of our key highlights to ensure consumer protection here,” he said.
Poppy Kweyama, head of education and advocacy at the NCC, discussed the progress and ongoing challenges in consumer rights. She mentioned that despite advancements, many consumers still face fraud, misinformation, unsafe products, and unethical business practices. In the digital age, issues like data privacy, online scams, misleading advertisements, and unfair pricing have added complexity to consumer protection.
Kweyama said that this year’s global theme for WCRD focuses on making sustainable choices accessible and affordable for all consumers, resonating with the challenges faced by South African consumers.
“Each year brings different challenges in the consumer protection space. It has always been our mandate that no consumer should be subject to unfair and questionable practices from unscrupulous suppliers.
It is also our view that for a harmonised marketplace, we need to empower consumers while nudging suppliers into complying with various consumer laws. The theme seeks to educate businesses about their legislative responsibilities, while raising awareness and education amongst consumers on their rights and responsibilities as well.
Kweyama added that multiple enforcement operations have targeted the prevention of illicit goods and substandard food products from being sold to unsuspecting consumers, emphasizing the urgent need to address these issues to safeguard public health and rights. She stressed that while laws protect consumers, it is their responsibility to stay informed, demand ethical business practices, and use their collective voice to drive change.
Andile Gwabeni, head of advocacy at the Competition Commission, emphasized the role of competition regulation in consumer protection, particularly the importance of consumer choice in competition policy.
Thezi Mabuza, NCC deputy commissioner, explained that competition regulation is crucial for protecting consumers by ensuring that market competition serves the public interests.
“We do this through various tools that are at our disposal as competition authorities, and these tools are there to help us to make sure that we deal with prohibited conduct,” he said.
“These tools that we have are there to make sure that we protect consumers from excessive prices, from practices that limit their choice, and also from any conduct that distorts the markets that we have,” he added.
Mabuza emphasized that the partnership between the NCC and the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism aims to promote competition in the South African economy. He argued that competitive markets can help foster a growing and inclusive economy.
He explained that a strong competition regulatory framework can prevent the abuse of power and create an environment where businesses compete, and consumers benefit. Mabuza highlighted that South Africa’s competition policy contributes to a stronger, more inclusive economy by providing consumers with better choices, lower prices, and improved services. He urges the consumers to stay informed, support these policies, and uphold competition to eliminate uncompetitive behavior.
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Mabuza also discussed the importance of collaboration in the South African Consumer Protection landscape, addressing the challenges faced by consumers and highlighting the NCC’s role in ensuring fair business practices.
