Mpumalanga MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Makhosazane Masilela, has called on businesses to “go above and beyond” to demonstrate ethical business practices.
The MEC was speaking at the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day (WCR), held at the University of Mpumalanga, on Saturday.
“As we celebrate this significant day, we are reminded of the central role that consumers play in our economy, and the critical need to protect their rights, while also encouraging businesses to operate ethically, responsibly, and with integrity.
“It is not enough to simply adhere to the bare minimum of legal requirements; businesses must go above and beyond to establish a culture of fairness, respect, and responsibility,” Masilela said.
World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on the 15th of March, as a means of raising global awareness about consumer rights and needs.
Celebrating the day is a chance to demand that the rights of all consumers are respected and protected, and to protest against market abuses and social injustices which undermine those rights.
The National Consumer Commission held the commemoration in partnership with the Competition Commission of South Africa, the Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and various regulatory bodies, under the umbrella of the Consumer Protection Forum (CPF).
The WCR was celebrated under the theme “Empowering Consumers—Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices”.
Acting Commissioner of the NCC, Hardin Ratshisusu, emphasised the ongoing need to intensify efforts in addressing the sale of expired food items in local spaza shops.
“Recent inspections on local spaza shops in various communities have revealed expired food items on shelves, prompting their removal and destruction.
“It is important we continue with this work given the recent spate of foodborne illnesses affecting the most vulnerable consumers in our society – our children,” Ratshisusu said.
Competition Commission Acting Head of Advocacy, Andile Gwabeni, emphasised the importance of the Competition Act in ensuring a competitive market.
“We understand that a fair and competitive market inherently protects consumers…and we therefore see consumer welfare as a direct output of our work,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
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