With World Consumer Rights Day around the corner, the spotlight is firmly on educating consumers about their rights and fostering ethical business practices.
Deputy Commissioner at the National Consumer Commission (NCC), Thezi Mabuza, emphasised the importance of corporate responsibility and fair trade principles during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
“These discussions will help regulators remain agile in protecting consumers in an evolving marketplace,” said Mabuza, calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the consumer protection sector.
The NCC, in partnership with the Competition Commission of South Africa, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and various regulatory bodies under the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF), will commemorate World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) 2025. While WCRD is globally observed on 15 March, South Africa will mark the occasion on 14 March under the theme: “Empowering Consumers, Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices.”
Poppy Kweyama, Head of Education and Advocacy at the NCC, highlighted the significance of the global event, which has been championing consumer awareness since its inception in 1983.
“Many consumers still fall prey to fraud, misinformation, unsafe products, and unethical business practices. The digital age has introduced new challenges, including data privacy concerns, online scams, misleading advertisements, and unfair pricing,” she said.
Kweyama stressed that consumer protection must evolve with the times. “No consumer should endure unfair or exploitative practices. A well-functioning marketplace requires empowered consumers and compliant suppliers.”
Action-Packed Commemoration Plans
This year’s events will include consumer education initiatives and business compliance inspections to enforce regulatory standards. A business breakfast on 13 March will serve as a platform for regulators to engage with industry leaders on key topics such as competition and food safety.
“The breakfast offers the Competition Commission an opportunity to hear directly from small-scale farmers, retailers, and large agribusinesses about the challenges they face, including barriers to entry and trade,” said Andile Gwabeni, Head of Advocacy at the Commission.
He added that findings from the Commission’s Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI), which examined efficiency, market dynamics, and barriers to entry within the fresh produce sector, will also be discussed.
The inquiry, launched in March 2023 and concluded in January 2025, focused on key fruits and vegetables such as apples, citrus, bananas, pears, grapes, potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, and spinach—staples in South African households.
Consumer Court Relaunch in Mpumalanga
As part of the lead-up to WCRD, Mpumalanga will relaunch its provincial consumer court on 13 March, making it the eighth such court in the country. The initiative is aimed at providing swift resolution to consumer disputes and reinforcing consumer rights in the province.
“This court will play a vital role in resolving consumer complaints efficiently and enforcing consumer protection laws,” said Bonani Dube, Acting Director of Business Regulations and Governance at the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Events on 14 March will include a breakfast with business leaders in Mbombela, site visits to automotive dealerships, and a consumer rights seminar for students, ensuring that awareness reaches both businesses and future consumers.
Upholding Consumer Rights in South Africa
The NCC, established under the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008, is dedicated to enforcing consumer protection laws and resolving disputes. The Act aims to create a fair, accessible, and sustainable marketplace, ensuring informed consumer decisions, prohibiting unfair marketing, and promoting responsible business practices.
The Competition Commission, one of three independent statutory bodies under the Competition Act, oversees market competition and prevents anti-competitive behaviour. Both the NCC and the Competition Commission operate under the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, reinforcing the government’s commitment to consumer rights.
With regulatory bodies, businesses, and consumers coming together, this year’s World Consumer Rights Day promises to be a powerful step towards a more transparent and ethical marketplace.