Bethal – New members of Mpumalanga’s two (2) Consumer Courts will be sworn-in next week by Bethal’s Senior Magistrate, in the presence of the MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Mr Sikhumbuzo Eric Kholwane, as stipulated in the applicable Act.
In terms of Section 14(7) of the Mpumalanga Consumer Affairs Act, Act No. 6 of 1998, members and alternative members of the Consumer Court shall before assuming office take an oath or solemn affirmation in the presence of the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) responsible for consumer affairs in the Province.
Mpumalanga is one of the four (4) Provinces that over the past four (4) years had fully operational Consumer Courts. In the past there was only one (1) consumer court which was operating on a rotational basis servicing the three (3) districts. However this has changed as the second court has been added following the approval of the Executive Council.
In total, 15 members will be sworn-in for the two (2) courts, with eight (8) of them servicing the Ehlanzeni district and seven (7) servicing both Nkangala and Gert Sibande districts.
The Consumer Court presides over consumer cases that would be investigated by the Office of the Consumer Protector, and accordingly processed, to ensure that consumer rights become a legislative reality. The court is empowered to make orders for the prohibition and control of unfair business practices. It may also negotiate and conclude arrangements with any person, for the discontinuation and avoidance of any unfair business practice.
Details of the swearing-in ceremony are as follows:
Date: Thursday, 26 June 2014
Venue: Blue Gum Country Lodge, Bethal
Time: 10h00
All MEDIA IS INVITED
#END#
Issued by the Communication Directorate
Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
For media enquiries, contact: Mohau Ramodibe on 082 771 9950/ 013 766 4148