Consumer protection

Service ID:

10066

Topics:

Business, Industry and Tenders

Tags:

Whether you're buying brand-new or second-hand goods, you'll have a right to receive goods that are up to standard. If you, as a consumer, have any disputes with a seller or retailer, there's a body that can help you resolve the issue and get adequate compensation.

What are the most common types of complaints received by the Office of the Consumer Protector (OCP)

Electrical and electronic appliance defects
Furniture - product defects/returns/refunds
Motor vehicles - repairs
Financial - micro-loans and collections

Who can lodge a complaint?

You can lodge a complaint if you are:

A person acting in the public interest (amicus curiae/leave of tribunal or court association, acting on the interests of its members).
A person acting as a member or in the interest of an affected group of class.
An authorised person acting on behalf of another.

The OCP also offers a "walk-in" service where consumers may visit the OCP office at St Georges Mall Cape Town and formally complain.

You can also contact the Toll-free call centre number on 0800 007 081 to lodge your complaint.

The OCP aims to provide access, information, education and compensation to consumers within the province who may experience consumer-related disputes.

Consumer Tribunal

The Office of the Consumer Protector acts as a "prosecutor" on behalf of consumers to bring their complaints/cases before the Consumer Tribunal, which is a special court that hears consumer complaints.

More information

Read up on some of the Consumer Protection Legislation in South Africa:

Consumer support information

Your guide to consumer rights and how to protect them - Consumer Protection Act Booklet
Your guide to Contracts and what they mean in our law
To help you make better financial decisions for you and your family - Download your Personal Financial Toolkit.

Office of the Consumer Protector

View e-Service

Go back