The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has acknowledged that raising public awareness about consumer rights remains a significant challenge, as many South Africans are still unaware of how and where to report complaints, particularly regarding food-related incidents.
Speaking on World Consumer Rights Day, Deputy Commissioner Thezi Mabuza emphasized the difficulty in regulating informal businesses compared to formal ones. She urged consumers to always request receipts, not only for tax purposes but also to ensure accountability when lodging complaints.
"We are urging South Africans that when you buy, insist on getting a receipt. This helps us track the business and hold them accountable," Mabuza stated.
Mabuza also highlighted the challenges in investigating cases of contaminated food, particularly involving informal traders. "On the issue of poisoned food, we could not confirm whether children had actually purchased from a spaza shop, even though they pointed it out," she explained.
The NCC continues to advocate for stronger consumer protection measures and urges the public to remain vigilant when making purchases.