Gauteng is strengthening its consumer protection efforts with the swearing-in of 10 new members of the Gauteng Consumer Affairs Court, who will serve a three-year term.
Gauteng Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Vuyiswa Ramokgopa welcomed the swearing-in of the new members of the court.
The 10 members were sworn in on Friday in Sandton.
They include Fhedzisani Pandelani, Professor Jacolien Barnard, the alternate chairperson, Zandile Mpungose and Advocate Matsobane Mello.
The court is an administrative tribunal established in 2000 in terms of the Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practices) Act 7 of 1996.
It adjudicates consumer complaints, hears disputes between consumers and businesses over the sale and supply of goods and services, makes awards in cases involving alleged unfair business practices and may confirm settlement agreements as court orders.
Congratulating the new members at the swearing-in ceremony, Ramokgopa urged them to approach their assignment with “a genuine sense of pride” and “an appreciation of the public trust that comes with it”.
She said the court had helped many consumers over the past 26 years and saved them millions of rands that could otherwise have been lost.
“What makes this institution particularly important is that its services are provided free of charge, and its work extends across the province.
“For someone who cannot afford lengthy and expensive legal proceedings, this provides a meaningful opportunity to have their complaint heard and resolved. As government, we have a responsibility to ensure that the rights guaranteed in our Constitution are not simply promises that exist on paper. They must be rights that people can exercise in practice, ”she explained.
Motlatjo Moholwa, Head of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development, said the court is essential to regulating the consumer industry and building confidence, noting that consumer activity accounted for 66% of the country’s gross domestic product.
“The work you are going to do with us is very important. The more consumers are happy, the more they will spend, and the more suppliers and businesspeople will sell.
“The department and its entities are responsible for growing the economy, and you are entrusted with the responsibility of protecting our consumers. I hope you will be able to facilitate a good relationship between consumers and suppliers. Thank you for making yourselves available to work with us,” he said.
Pandelani pledged “to act independently and impartially, and to discharge our responsibilities without fear, favour or prejudice”.
“Consumer protection and legitimate commercial enterprise are not opposing objectives. Both depend upon fairness, transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“A credible consumer-protection system must protect consumers against unlawful practices while ensuring that businesses are treated justly and afforded a fair opportunity to be heard. That is the balance we must preserve,” Pandelani said. - SAnews.gov.za
