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VRYHEID KZN: Public receives information on their rights as consumers

we act as the middle man between a consumer and a credit provider. We investigate the issue and resolve complaints from consumers who are negatively impacted by Credit Bureau information or when a consumer has a dispute with a credit provider.

Last week Wednesday, the Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (EDTEA); the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS); Credit Ombudsman; and Government Communications Information System (GCIS) conducted a consumer education session at Vryheid Shoprite Centre. This took the form of a public awareness campaign where officials from these different organisations teamed up to educate the public about their rights and also responsibilities as consumers. EDTEA is a consumer protection service that has been decentralised to the various districts in order for its services to be easily accessible to all communities. Wenzile Yvonne Dlomo, who is from EDTEA’s Complaints Unit, mentioned that they handle and investigate cases they receive from consumers, as well as deal with complaints which are formal, walk-ins or telephonic. They also give advice, going as far as legal advice. Miss Kabelo Teme from the Credit Ombudsman in Gauteng said they offer their services free of charge, where they deal with people who have been blacklisted by the Credit Bureau. “As the Credit Ombudsman, we act as the middle man between a consumer and a credit provider. We investigate the issue and resolve complaints from consumers who are negatively impacted by Credit Bureau information or when a consumer has a dispute with a credit provider.” She also mentioned that they act honestly and fairly, balancing the rights of all parties involved. William Tladi, communication officer at NRCS, said their job is basically to ensure that businesses produce imports or sell products / services that are not harmful to consumers or the environment, or fall short of the declared quantity measurement. He said that, for instance, if you are at the butchery, the scale needs to face the consumer and the quantity of meat must be in proportion with the price the consumer will pay. He also mentioned that they visit stores unannounced to check the safety of different products. “We regulate electrical products to see if they are safe for consumers to use, and electrical products need a letter of authority. If a particular product does not have this, we remove it from the store. We also ensure the efficacy of safety features: if a kettle does not switch off by itself, a consumer cannot buy it, as it is not safe for home use.” The NCRS regulates products such as automotive products, in the built environment, measurable products, frozen, canned, fishery products, and more. Consumers were given pamphlets and told what they need to do if they face any problems regarding the products they buy. The members of the different organisations explained their services free of charge. People were then urged to contact the above organisations if they need assistance as consumers – they can visit their offices, call or find them on their social pages. ALSO READ:Your rights as a consumer

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