Empowering Consumers: Balancing rights with ethical Business practices
The Gauteng Department of Economic Development’s Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs (GOCA) is commemorating World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on March 14, 2025, with a series of events and activities aimed at empowering consumers and promoting fair business practices. This year’s theme, “Empowering Consumers: Balancing Rights with Ethical Business Practices,” highlights the importance of protecting consumers’ rights while promoting sustainable and responsible business practices.
According to the provincial Unfair Business Practices Act, “unethical business practice” refers to any business practice that is considered unfair, misleading, deceptive or harmful to consumers. It covers any practice that goes against the principles of honest and fair dealing, often including those that could unreasonably prejudice or deceive customers, even if not explicitly illegal.
“The celebration of World Consumer Rights Day is a significant event for us, as it underscores our commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of consumers in Gauteng,” said Ms. Milly Viljoen, the Director for Consumer Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations at GOCA. “Therefore, consumers should be aware of some of the unethical business practices, as outlined in the Consumer Protection Act, include false or misleading advertising, deceptive labelling, and unfair marketing practices”. These practices can lead to consumers making uninformed decisions, consequently prejudicing them financially or otherwise.
Key Unethical Business Practices to Avoid:
- Selling products without the required date markings, or products that past their use-by/sell-by (“expiry”) dates.
- False or misleading advertising – making untrue claims about products or services.
- Deceptive labelling – misleading consumers about the contents, ingredients, or origins of products.
- Labeling foodstuffs in a language that is not an official language of the country is an example of non-compliant labeling. This can confuse consumers as makes it difficult for them to make informed decisions about the products they buy.
- Unfair marketing practices – using coercion, undue influence, or pressure to sell products or services.
Tips for Compliance:
- Transparency – ensure that all information about products or services is clear, accurate and easily accessible to consumers.
- Fair pricing – display prices clearly and ensure that they are fair.
- Compliant labeling – use labeling that is truthful and compliant with regulations, including using official languages.
- Registration and licensing – ensure that your business is properly registered and licensed. Please be aware that all businesses, including spaza shops and food handling outlets, are required to display their trade licenses (COA’s – certificate of acceptability) or permits within their premises.
Throughout the month of March, GOCA will host exhibitions, workshops, and other activities in the Gauteng Province, aimed at educating consumers about their rights and responsibilities, as well as promoting ethical business practices among suppliers. “We believe that by empowering consumers and promoting fair business practices, we can create a more equitable and sustainable marketplace that benefits everyone,” added Ms. Milly Viljoen.
For more information, advice and consumer-related complaints, please contact the Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs on (011) 355 8006 or email consumer@gauteng.gov.za.
Issued by the Gauteng Department of Economic Development
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