Consumers should learn about the structures that protect their rights: Davies

30 June 2016 - 11:14 By TMG Digital

Trade and Industry Minister Dr Rob Davies wants consumers “to take advantage” of structures like the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and the National Credit Regulator (NCR). He told shoppers at Midrand’s Boulders Shopping Centre on Wednesday that government “is creating policies and structures like the NCC and NCR to protect the rights of consumers” and they should familiarise themselves with the services they offer.“Service providers and credit lenders are obligated and need to ensure that consumers are treated fairly‚” said Davies at the Consumer Rights Public Participation programme event.“Mashonisas (micro-lenders) cannot just charge consumers as they like‚ they need to make sure that consumers can afford [it]. Consumers also need to know their rights for them to be able to determine if they are treated fairly by service providers‚” said Davies.He said “many people are falling victim to unscrupulous lenders and are making decisions that are affecting their credit profiles badly”. He said they need to be made aware of their consumer rights and responsibilities; and be educated on how to be smarter with their money.NCC Commissioner Ebrahim Mohamed added that while “it was important for consumers to know that it is not only about their rights‚ but their obligations too as consumers”. ..

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