Consumer court recoves R8 million for consumers in Mpumalanga
The Department will continue to strengthen its consumer education and awareness programmes and campaigns to conscientise consumers about their rights and responsibilities in order empower them to be vigilant when making everyday business transactions.
MBOMBELA- Mpumalanga‘s MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane says the protection of consumer rights remains a key priority of government, as evidenced by the recovery of more than R7,6 million on behalf of consumers.
This was after the Mpumalanga Consumer Court resolved a total of 1,615 reported cases of unscrupulous business practices between April 2014 and March 2015.
“We cannot allow business people to continue to disregard our laws and take our people for granted. We will therefore continue to use the muscle of our consumer courts to protect consumers from unfair and unjustified business practices”, explained Kholwane.
The Department will continue to strengthen its consumer education and awareness programmes and campaigns to conscientise consumers about their rights and responsibilities in order empower them to be vigilant when making everyday business transactions.
Kholwane says the residents of Mpumalanga should make saving an integral part of their lives, indicating that no amount is small to be saved.
“I often hear people saying I don’t have enough money to save because I am too poor. No amount of money is too small – you can start with any amount and build on it. When you get an increment or bonus, try to increase your initial saving initiative because it is the money you were not used to living on. I must assure you that you would be making a huge favour for yourself. Trust me on this one”, he added.
Kholwane is also urging parents to encourage their children to make saving part of their daily lives, indicating that this will reduce the financial burden of government on funding social grants in future, thereby releasing substantial funds to increase funding for critical areas like education and health.
“It is easier to convince a young mind about the benefits of saving today for a better tomorrow. As parents, let us inculcate this culture in our children. The future belongs to those who save for it today”, concluded the MEC.
