World Consumer Rights Day celebrated in Upington
The National Consumer Commission, together with the Northern Cape Consumer Protection Authority, the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism and other stakeholders, today celebrated World Consumer Rights Day at the Piet Thole Community Hall in Upington. The day aims to promote consumers’ basic rights, protection and ethical business practices.
During the event, there was an opportunity for different stakeholders to engage with residents about the services they offer, as well as how residents can lodge complaints and contact them. Mr. Matsimbi from the National Credit Regulator explained the regulator’s mandate and the challenges they face in communities with loan sharks. Matsimbi emphasized the importance of residents keeping their identities safe and explained that it is illegal for them to give their ID’s and SASSA cards in exchange for loans. “Before using those services, residents must make sure the service provider is registered and able to prove they are registered with the NCR to provide those services, and they are not allowed by law to charge more than 5% interest on loans.
During the keynote address, Cllr Melanie Dodds, standing in for the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, said that every year on March 15, the international community reflects on the state of consumer rights and the progress made to strengthen them. As a province, we begin our commemoration today, March 13, 2026, under the theme: “Safe Products, Self‑Empowered Consumers.”
Thirty-two years into our democratic South Africa, we have continually worked to build a consumer protection culture. In the Northern Cape, we are committed to creating an environment based on awareness, responsibility and ethical business practices. Through provincial outreach programs, educational field trips and complaint processes, we empower our consumers with knowledge of their rights so they can exercise them. Residents also had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders about their community concerns. Among the issues raised were the influx of illegal foreign nationals, their ownership of tuck shops and service delivery problems.
In his closing remarks, ZF Mgcawu District Speaker, Cllr Stanley Peterson, thanked all stakeholders and community members for their attendance and encouraged them to continue working with law enforcement. He also announced he would continue participating in the Tuckshop Compliance Monitoring Operation to promote compliance and safety. Representatives from the National Prosecuting Authority, Small Business Development, the Public Protector, the Consumer Court, and the Liquor and Gambling Board, among others, attended the event. The Rosedale community came out in their numbers participate in the celebration.
