Afriforum gives power to the consumer

Potholes. Streetlights. No water.

These, and a litany of others, are among the most regular complaints against municipalities countrywide. The majority of residents either vent on social media, call their local newspaper or give up before they have even attempted to solve the problem.

This is where Afriforum hopes their new Municipal Consumers Guide will make a significant difference.

The guide was launched at Ebandla Hotel in Ballito on Monday and aims to simplify the Consumer Protection Act and its uses, giving consumers a tool to take action against municipalities without forking out thousands for a lawyer’s help.

The manual, illustrated vividly with mind maps and explanatory diagrams, was developed in response to a case Afriforum won, against trade and industry minister Rob Davies, in 2013.

“The court ruled that organs of state are subject to the CPA. We have developed a self-help guide which we hope will empower people across all cultures and races,” said community projects manager Ivan Herselman.

Marais Dekker, one of the attorneys involved in the guide’s compilation, said the CPA makes provision for the supplier and consumer to be brought closer together.

“But this was not happening because it seemed like municipalities had the monopoly. We pay them, so it is up to them to prove themselves to us, not the other way around. This manual is the first of its kind, in that it makes a very complex law, visual. We are aiming for a change in mindset, putting out a message that residents are entitled to their rights.”

Herselman indicated that the guide is neither a political vendetta nor a solution to service delivery issues.

“It is a reality that most consumer protection organisations do not function as they should. We hope that once people read the manual and realise what their rights are, the floodgates will open. There are consequences for not delivering a required service that is paid for.”

Dekker cited municipal councillors who make false promises, as an example of false and misleading advertising.

He encouraged consumers to record every interaction with their municipality and its officials.

“If ever you need to take action, you will have legal proof. We are extremely excited to see what this manual will do.”

Also included in the manual, which presently comes in English and Afrikaans, are examples and templates of how complaints may be submitted to a municipality.

You can download the manual via www.munisipaleverbuiker.co.za.