The Deputy Minister for Trade Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina, together with the Free State Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (Destea) will join the National Consumer Commission, including the University of the Free State (UFS) and various consumer protection regulators in commemorating World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) in the Free State.
Celebrated annually on 15 March, this year’s WCRD will be celebrated under the theme: Safe Products, Safe Consumers: Fostering Accountability and Compliance.
According to the National Consumer Commission, the theme aims to bring to light issues of product safety in the South African consumer market while reemphasising the need for suppliers to comply with various consumer protection bodies in the country.
“WCRD celebrations are preceded by consumer education and business compliance blitz, conducted by various regulators in the consumer space under the umbrella of the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF).
These activities aim to empower consumers about their rights and enforce compliance,” said the commission.
The UFS hosted a symposium to address food safety as well as the role of various relevant roleplayers to ensure consumers buy and consume goods that meet the required safety standards.
Various speakers, inclusive of lawmakers, will deliberate on different laws and the role they play in ensuring consumer safety.
Compiled by Justine Fortuin
