TODAY is the World Consumer Rights Day, which coincides with a new chapter in the local consumer movement.

Ushering the new era is the National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala, who will kick-start her powerful role as the consumers' watchdog when her office is formally launched at the end of the month.

For many years scores of South African consumers have suffered at the hands of fly-by-night operators who disregarded fair business practices for a quick buck.

But such complaints will hopefully trickle down with the advent of the Consumer Commissioner and the Consumer Protection Act.

Consumers will enjoy legal protection from unscrupulous operators, come April 1.

Suddenly the term "customer's satisfaction" will thankfully carry some weight.