In commemorating World Consumer Rights Day, a conference was held at the University of the Free State on Friday (15/3) to shed light on issues of product safety in the South African consumer market.

In attendance at the conference were the Deputy Minister for Trade Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina, Free State DESTEA, the National Consumer Commission, and various consumer protection regulators.

Attendees at the World Consumer Rights Day at the UFS. Picture: Facebook/Official Destea.

“The purpose of World Consumer Rights Day is to put the spotlight on consumers and consumer rights. This year’s theme is “safe product, safe consumer” which is linked to food safety and the importance of consumers being informed and careful about the food products they purchase and eat,” said UFS Mercantile Law HOD Elizabeth Snyman-Van Deventer.

“The celebration of consumer rights and consumer protection should not only take place today but 365 days a year. It is important that consumers are aware of the National Consumer Commission and how the commission can assist them,” said Gina.

Deputy Minister for Trade Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina. Picture: Facebook/Official Destea

Consumers must be informed about their rights and from the government's side, work must be done throughout to make sure that our communities are protected. Consumers as a community must also take the responsibility to work together with the various regulators to ensure safe products and services said Gina.

In a provincial business compliance raid this week the DESTEA Consumer Protection Office, NCC, and police inspected 17 businesses for illicit goods; those that were found to be noncompliant had their shops immediately closed, their owners arrested, and their goods seized.

Schedule medications found and confiscated at a wholesaler in the CBD in Bloemfontein. Picture: Facebook/Official Destea 

To inform customers about their rights and obligations, awareness workshops were also held in various districts.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg